Actor
Javed Akhtar
Based In
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Origin
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
Years Active
1971 – Present
Javed Akhtar Biography
Javed Akhtar Personal Information
- Full Name: Javed Akhtar
- Nickname: Jadoo (childhood name)
- Date of Birth: 17 January 1945
- Age: 81 years (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Gwalior
- Nationality: Indian
- Profession: Poet, Lyricist, Screenwriter, Author, Public Intellectual
- Religion: Born into a Muslim family
- Languages: Urdu, Hindi, English
Education
- Colvin Taluqdars’ College, Lucknow
- Saifiya College, Bhopal
Family Details
- Father: Jan Nisar Akhtar
- Mother: Safia Akhtar
- First Wife: Honey Irani
- Second Wife: Shabana Azmi
- Son: Farhan Akhtar
- Daughter: Zoya Akhtar
Career Highlight
| Year | Career Highlight |
|---|---|
| 1971 | Debut as screenwriter in Andaz, Adhikar, and Haathi Mere Saathi as part of the Salim–Javed partnership |
| 1972 | Wrote the blockbuster Seeta Aur Geeta |
| 1973 | Created two iconic films – Yaadon Ki Baaraat and Zanjeer |
| 1975 | Achieved legendary status with Deewaar and Sholay |
| 1978 | Delivered cult classics Trishul and Don |
| 1979 | Wrote the acclaimed drama Kaala Patthar |
| 1980 | Success with multi-starrer action films Dostana and Shaan |
| 1981 | Contributed to the historical epic Kranti |
| 1982 | Final major Salim–Javed film Shakti released |
| 1983 | Began solo screenwriting career with Betaab |
| 1984 | Wrote acclaimed drama Mashaal and film Duniya |
| 1985 | Major solo successes with Saagar, Arjun, and Meri Jung |
| 1987 | Wrote Dacait; Salim–Javed’s completed script Mr. India released |
| 1989 | Scripted Main Azaad Hoon starring Amitabh Bachchan |
| 1992 | Wrote the thriller Khel |
| 1993 | Contributed to Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja |
| 1995 | Wrote Prem |
| 1998 | Screenplay for Kabhi Na Kabhi |
| 2004 | Returned with the critically acclaimed Lakshya |
| 2006 | Story and screenplay contribution to Don: The Chase Begins Again |
| 1990s–Present | Became one of Bollywood’s most celebrated lyricists, writing songs for films such as 1942: A Love Story, Border, Dil Chahta Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Veer-Zaara, Jodhaa Akbar, and many others |
| 1999 | Received Padma Shri from the Government of India |
| 2007 | Awarded Padma Bhushan |
| 2013 | Won the Sahitya Akademi Award |
| 2020 | Received the Richard Dawkins Award |
| Career Total | 5 National Film Awards, 16 Filmfare Awards, and numerous literary honors |
Awards List
| Year | Award Category | Award Name | Film/Song | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Best Story | Filmfare Award | Zanjeer | Won |
| 1974 | Best Screenplay | Filmfare Award | Zanjeer | Won |
| 1976 | Best Story | Filmfare Award | Deewar | Won |
| 1976 | Best Dialogue | Filmfare Award | Deewar | Won |
| 1976 | Best Screenplay | Filmfare Award | Deewar | Won |
| 1983 | Best Screenplay | Filmfare Award | Shakti | Won |
| 1984 | Best Story | Filmfare Award | Betaab | Nominated |
| 1985 | Best Story | Filmfare Award | Mashaal | Nominated |
| 1986 | Best Story | Filmfare Award | Arjun | Nominated |
| 1989 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Ek Do Teen (Tezaab) | Nominated |
| 1990 | Best Dialogue | Filmfare Award | Main Azaad Hoon | Won |
| 1995 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Ek Ladki Ko Dekha (1942: A Love Story) | Won |
| 1996 | Best Lyrics | National Film Award | Saaz | Won |
| 1997 | Best Lyrics | National Film Award | Border | Won |
| 1997 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Ghar Se Nikalte (Papa Kehte Hai) | Won |
| 1998 | Best Lyrics | National Film Award | Godmother | Won |
| 1998 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Sandese Aate Hai (Border) | Won |
| 1998 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Chand Taare (Yes Boss) | Nominated |
| 1999 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam (Duplicate) | Nominated |
| 2000 | Best Lyrics | National Film Award | Refugee | Won |
| 2001 | Best Lyrics | National Film Award | Lagaan | Won |
| 2001 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Panchchi Nadiyaan (Refugee) | Won |
| 2002 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Mitwa (Lagaan) | Won |
| 2002 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Radha Kaise Na Jale (Lagaan) | Nominated |
| 2004 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Kal Ho Na Ho (Kal Ho Naa Ho) | Won |
| 2005 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Tere Liye (Veer-Zaara) | Won |
| 2007 | Lifetime Achievement | Filmfare Award | Career Achievement | Honoured |
| 2009 | Best Lyricist | Filmfare Award | Jashn-E-Bahaara (Jodhaa Akbar) | Won |
| 2011 | Album of the Year | Mirchi Music Award | Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara | Nominated |
| 2011 | Lyricist of the Year | Mirchi Music Award | Khwabon Ke Parindey (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) | Won |
| 2011 | Lyricist of the Year | Mirchi Music Award | Senorita (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) | Nominated |
| 2012 | Lyricist of the Year | Mirchi Music Award | Jee Le Zara (Talaash) | Won |
| 2014 | Lifetime Achievement | Mirchi Music Award | Career Achievement | Won |
| 2015 | Album of the Year | Mirchi Music Award | Dil Dhadakne Do | Nominated |
| 2015 | Lyricist of the Year | Mirchi Music Award | Phir Bhi Yeh Zindagi (Dil Dhadakne Do) | Nominated |
About Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar is an Indian poet, lyricist, screenwriter, and author known for his contributions to Bollywood and Urdu literature.
He is famous for writing legendary films such as Sholay, Deewar, Zanjeer, and Don, and for writing award-winning song lyrics.
His children are filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar and filmmaker Zoya Akhtar.
He has won 5 National Film Awards for Best Lyrics.
Yes, he is one of India's most respected Urdu poets and authors.