Javed Akhtar: News
Javed Akhtar was born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, Central India Agency, British India. His credits include ‘Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India,’ ‘Om Shanti Om,’ and ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho.’ Since December 9, 1984, he has been married to Shabana Azmi. Previously, he was married to Honey Irani. Akhtar gained fame as part of the Salim–Javed duo and his first film as a screenwriter was 1973-flick 'Zanjeer.’ He went on to create the soundtracks for the films ‘Deewar’ and ‘Sholay,’ both of which were released in 1975 and earned cult status as well as having a significant cultural impact. For his work as a lyricist, he won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics five times and the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist eight times. The Government of India bestowed the civilian honor of Padma Shri on Akhtar in 1999, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2007. As of 2020, he received the Richard Dawkins Award for being a "strong force for secularism, reason, and human rights, fighting superstition and bigotry through his poetry, filmmaking, and political activity."
Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Muntashir on vulgarity in contemporary film music
Veteran lyricists Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Manoj Muntashir, and Swanand Kirkire have expressed their concerns over the increasing vulgarity in contemporary film music.
Salim Khan to be discharged from hospital today?
Salim Khan, the renowned Bollywood screenwriter and father of superstar Salman Khan, is set to be discharged from Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on Tuesday morning after a month-long stay.
'Kennedy': Here's why Vijay Sethupathi, Javed Akhtar got special thanks
Director Anurag Kashyap has finally revealed why actor Vijay Sethupathi and lyricist Javed Akhtar were credited under "Special Thanks" in his latest film, Kennedy.
Salim Khan on ventilator: Javed Akhtar visits longtime collaborator
Veteran Bollywood screenwriter Salim Khan (90) was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on Tuesday.
Salim Khan undergoes surgery after being on ventilator
Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, father of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, has been hospitalized at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital.
'Lahore 1947': Sunny Deol-Aamir Khan's film to get new title?
Actor Sunny Deol has hinted that the title of his upcoming period drama, Lahore 1947, may not be final.
'Nobody dared': Javed Akhtar reveals top composers turned down 'Breathless'
Veteran poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar has revealed that it took him seven years to find a composer who would agree to make Breathless, the iconic song sung by Shankar Mahadevan.
Mithoon addresses Javed Akhtar's 'Border 2' songs criticism
The recently released film Border 2 has been making waves with its narrative and music, especially the recreation of the iconic song Sandese Aate Hain. However, the decision to recreate old songs has drawn criticism from veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar.
Sonu Nigam defends 'Border 2' songs amid Javed Akhtar's criticism
The much-awaited film Border 2 was released in theaters on Friday.
'Convert back to Hinduism': Anup Jalota trolls AR Rahman
Singer Anup Jalota has reacted to Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman's recent controversial statement about a perceived power shift in Bollywood.
'Creative...bankruptcy': Javed Akhtar refused to write songs for 'Border 2'
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar revealed that he was approached to write songs for the upcoming sequel, Border 2, but he declined.
'Morality lost...': Javed Akhtar on absence of socially relevant films
Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently opened up about the current state of Bollywood in an interview with Rediff.
'Never felt this': Javed Akhtar dismisses Rahman's 'communal thing' remarks
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has dismissed composer AR Rahman's claims about a possible "communal thing" affecting his recent work in Bollywood.
'Effortless' Javed Akhtar now getting acting offers, reveals Shabana Azmi
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has opened up about her husband, renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar's acting skills. She revealed that the 80-year-old is receiving several acting offers due to his natural on-screen presence.
Javed Akhtar slams AI video of him wearing scull cap
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has threatened to take legal action against the creators of an AI-generated video that claims, "ultimately," Akhtar has "turned to God."
'Border 2': Anu Malik wants credit for 'Sandese Aate...' remake?
The makers of Border 2 released a teaser earlier this week for Ghar Kab Aaoge, a reimagined version of the classic, Sandese Aate Hain from the original.
'Border-2': Sonu, Vishal, Arijit, Diljit unite for 'Ghar Kab Aaoge'
The makers of Border 2 have released a teaser for the new song Ghar Kab Aaoge.
Hijab row: Javed Akhtar demands 'unconditional apology' from Nitish Kumar
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has demanded an "unconditional apology" from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for pulling down a woman's hijab at an event.
'Sholay' was declared a flop initially, reveals director Ramesh Sippy
The 1975 blockbuster Sholay, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and was re-released in theaters with its original ending, had a tumultuous start.
'Sholay' re-release gets 'U' certificate; no cuts enforced
The iconic Bollywood film Sholay (1975) will be re-released as Sholay - The Final Cut, featuring the original climax and two deleted scenes.
How 'ZNMD' scene with Naseeruddin stirred Farhan Akhtar's childhood memories
Farhan Akhtar recently opened up about his emotional experience while shooting a pivotal scene in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD) with Naseeruddin Shah.
Farhan reveals father Javed was 'teary' after watching '120 Bahadur'
Ahead of its theatrical release on Friday, November 21, actor Farhan Akhtar has shared his father, renowned writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar's emotional response to his upcoming film 120 Bahadur.
Lucky Ali 'regrets' being 'rude' to Javed Akhtar
Singer Lucky Ali has expressed regret over his recent altercation with writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar.
'Science isn't immoral': Javed Akhtar talks about fears regarding AI
Veteran Bollywood screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has spoken about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cinema.
'120 Bahadur' trailer: Farhan Akhtar promises captivating tale of bravery
The trailer for Farhan Akhtar's upcoming war drama, 120 Bahadur, was unveiled on Thursday by KGF star Yash.
'120 Bahadur': Farhan, Sukhwinder Singh reunite for war anthem
Farhan Akhtar and Sukhwinder Singh have reunited for the anthem Dada Kishan Ki Jai from the upcoming war drama 120 Bahadur.
Hypermasculine films driven by men's mental health issues: Javed Akhtar
Veteran Bollywood screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar has expressed his disappointment over the censorship of films that reflect societal realities in India.
Amitabh Bachchan to narrate Farhan Akhtar's '120 Bahadur'?
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will lend his voice as a narrator in the much-anticipated movie 120 Bahadur, starring Farhan Akhtar.
'Get hate from both sides': Akhtar on Urdu meet cancellation
Renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has reacted to the cancellation of a Kolkata literary event, which was called off after some Islamic groups objected to his participation.
'Sholay' turns 50: How it shaped Farhan's passion for films
The iconic Bollywood film Sholay, which was released on August 15, 1975, has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.
'Don't like...': Why Javed Akhtar hasn't watched 'Sholay' in years
As Ramesh Sippy's iconic film Sholay celebrates its 50th anniversary, co-writer Javed Akhtar has opened up about the film's legacy and its inexplicable success.
'Sholay's original climax revealed: Thakur was to kill Gabbar
Farhan Akhtar recently revealed that the iconic climax of Sholay was altered due to the instruction of the censor board during the Emergency.
'Nark jaana pasand karunga...': Javed Akhtar prefers hell over Pakistan
Celebrated lyricist Javed Akhtar has been vocal about the backlash he receives for his outspoken nature.
When Javed Akhtar bought lavish Bandra bungalow for just ₹5L
Famed screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar recently disclosed he bought a 4,000 sq ft bungalow at Bandra Bandstand in Mumbai in the 1970s.
'Be quiet': Pakistani actor bashes Javed Akhtar for Pahalgam comments
Bushra Ansari, a well-known Pakistani actor, recently slammed celebrated Indian writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar for his comments on the current political climate between India and Pakistan.
Mohanlal defends praying for Mammootty at temple amid criticism
The Malayalam film industry is now tangled in a controversy after actor Mohanlal offered prayers at the Sabarimala temple for his friend and fellow actor Mammootty.
Javed Akhtar wanted Kangana's apology, not compensation, says Shabana
The defamation case between lyricist Javed Akhtar and actor Kangana Ranaut was recently settled in a Mumbai court. The legal battle, which lasted over four years, ended in February.
Why saying yes to Oscar-nominated 'Lagaan' was 'scary' for Aamir
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan recently opened up about his iconic 2001 film Lagaan at the India Today Conclave.
'She apologized…': Javed Akhtar on ending 4-year feud with Kangana
After a four-year-long legal battle, celebrated lyricist Javed Akhtar and actor-turned-MP Kangana Ranaut have finally settled their defamation case. The development was confirmed by both parties on Friday.
Kangana, Akhtar happily settle 4-year-long defamation case; post picture together
Bollywood actor and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kangana Ranaut has announced that her four-year-long legal battle with legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar has been resolved.
Defamation case—After missing 40 court dates, Kangana gets final warning
A Mumbai court has given actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut a last chance to appear before it issues a non-bailable warrant in the defamation case filed by Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar.