17 January,2024 12:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Happy Birthday, Javed Akhtar! (Pic Courtesy/IMDB)
Javed Akhtar Birthday 2024: They say that behind every successful movie, there is a visionary director. However, the person who crafts the stories that enable filmmakers to earn money and transform ordinary actors into superstars is none other than the talented writer. Javed Akhtar is one such writer, who is a poet, lyricist, and screenwriter. He is a multifaceted personality who transformed Indian cinema with his exceptional writing skills. Javed Akhtar, along with Salim Khan, was known as India's most popular writer duo, as they gave some of the greatest hits of all time, such as 'Trishul', 'Deewar', 'Kaala Patthar, 'Don', 'Sholay', 'Mr. India', among others.
While we know Javed Akhtar to be outspoken, talented and wise. There are a few things that remain hidden from the world. On the occasion of Javed Akhtar Birthday 2024, here are some lesser-known interesting facts about him.
1) Javed Akhtar, the Indian poet, lyricist and scriptwriter, was born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, India. He was born to Nisar Akhtar, a famous Urdu poet, and Safia Akhtar, an Urdu teacher and writer. Javed's grandfather, Muzhtar Khairabadi, was also a well-known poet.
2) As a child, Javed was given the nickname "Jadoo" by his father, which originated from a phrase in one of his father's poems, 'Lamha lamha kisi jadu ka fasana hoga.' He completed his education from Saifiya College in Bhopal and then moved to Mumbai to pursue his career in the film industry.
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3) Javed Akhtar co-wrote several successful films with Salman Khan's father, Salim Khan, including iconic films like Sholay, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Zanjeer, Deewaar Trishul, Kaala Patthar, Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay and Mr India.
4) In 1999, Javed Akhtar was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, by the Government of India. He has also won five National Film Awards for Best Lyricist and Best Screenplay.
5) Javed Akhtar's first wife was Honey Irani, with whom he has two children, actor-producer and director Farhan Akhtar and producer-director Zoya Akhtar. Currently, he is married to the famous actress and social activist, Shabana Azmi.
Happy Birthday, Javed Akhtar ji!
