Happy Birthday Javed Saab

- January 17, 2012 | 12:38 PM IST

Well-known poet, lyricist, scriptwriter and activist Javed Akhtar turns a year older today, January 17, 2012.

Born as Jadoo Akhtar, he came to Mumbai in October 1964. After struggling as a dialogue writer for some films, he joined his friend Salim Khan and the duo wrote screenplays for some super-hit films like Sholay, Zanjeer and Deewarin 1970s. Salim-Javed are credited for establishing image of Amitabh Bachchan as the ‘angry young man’.

Javed Akhtar has won seven Filmfare Awards in the Best Lyrics category, including one for the famous song Ek Ladki Ko from the film, 1942 – A Love Story.

How can we, and all the soldiers of this country, forget the song Sandeshe aate hain from the film Border? Javed saab was awarded the Filmfare Award for his beautiful lyrics in this song as well as the National Award in 1997 for best lyricist in this film.

Akhtar has won the National award five times. In 2001, he was felicitated for the song Radha Kaise Na Jale from the film Lagaan.

Apart from writing for films Javed Akhtar has written a large number of poems against communalism, social injustice, national integration and for women’s rights.

He was awarded Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award of India in 2007.

Akhtar has two children – Farhan and Zoya – from his marriage to Honey Irani, both of whom are film directors. The doting daddy has worked with them in all the films they directed: Farhan’s Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Don and Don 2, and Zoya’s Luck By Chance and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. He is currently married to actress-activist Shabana Azmi.

Javed Akhtar is an avid reader with keen interest in politics. His work reflects his political awareness and social concerns.

Koimoi.com wishes Javed Akhtar a very happy birthday.