Mumbai, January 17, 2026 – Veteran screenwriter, lyricist, and poet Javed Akhtar celebrates his 81st birthday today, marking another year of his monumental contributions to Indian cinema. Akhtar, known for his profound and relatable writing, has touched the hearts of generations with his iconic dialogues, lyrics, and screenplays.
Born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, Akhtar's journey to becoming one of the most celebrated figures in Bollywood is a story of passion and perseverance. He has been honored with five National Film Awards and the Padma Bhushan in 2007 and the Padma Shri in 1999, two of India's highest civilian honors.
Akhtar's career reached a turning point when he partnered with Salim Khan. Together, as Salim-Javed, they redefined Bollywood screenwriting. The duo delivered a string of hits that continue to resonate with audiences today. Their collaboration produced iconic films such as "Zanjeer" (1973), which helped cement Amitabh Bachchan's image as the "angry young man", "Deewaar" (1975), and the unforgettable "Sholay" (1975). These films not only achieved commercial success but also attained cult status, profoundly influencing Indian popular culture. Other notable works from the Salim-Javed partnership include "Yaadon Ki Baaraat", "Haath Ki Safai", "Don", "Trishul", "Dostana", "Kranti", "Zamana", and "Mr. India". In total, they penned 24 films together, with 20 of them proving to be hits.
Beyond screenwriting, Akhtar is also celebrated for his exceptional work as a lyricist and poet. He has penned memorable songs for films like "Silsila" (1981), "Saath-Saath" (1982), "Mashaal" (1984), and "1942: A Love Story" (1994). His ability to weave intricate emotions into his lyrics has made his songs timeless classics.
Many of Akhtar's dialogues have become ingrained in popular culture. Memorable lines like "Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai" from the movie "Don", and "Kitne aadmi the?" from "Sholay", are still widely quoted today. The dialogue "Mere paas maa hai" from "Deewaar" remains an iconic representation of familial love and sacrifice.
On his 81st birthday, Akhtar shared a lighthearted message about living a simple life. Speaking with ANI, he quipped, "Main toh ek badi regular life guzarta hun...kabhi bhi so jata hun, kabhi bhi uth jata hun, jo jee chahta woh khaleta hun...Ice cream bhi khata hun...chai mein shakar bhi dalta hun..ek regular life hai meri. Aap bhi guzariye meri umar ke ho jayenge aap ya kamse kam meri umar ke lagne toh lagenge". This reflects his grounded approach to life, despite his fame and success.
Shabana Azmi, Akhtar's wife, extended her heartfelt birthday wishes, expressing her hopes for his continued good health and passion for his work. Akhtar's personal life reflects his secular beliefs; he identifies as an atheist and does not subscribe to any religious or spiritual ideologies.
Javed Akhtar's impact on Bollywood is immeasurable. His words have not only entertained but also shaped the cultural landscape of India. As he turns 81, his legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring writers and filmmakers.
