Javed Akhtar

Biography

Javed Akhtar (born 17 January 1945) is an Indian screenwriter, lyricist and poet. Known for his work in Hindi cinema, he has won five National Film Awards, and received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007, two of India's highest civilian honours. He is considered as one of the greatest screenwriters in the history of Hindi Cinema. Akhtar came to recognition in the duo Salim–Javed, and earned his breakthrough as a screenwriter with 1973's Zanjeer. He went on to write the films Deewaar and Sholay, both released in 1975; they earned a cult following, and had a significant impact in popular culture. He later earned praise for his work as a lyricist, winning the National Film Award for Best Lyrics five times and the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist eight times.

Movies & TV Shows

1. Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) — Narrator
2. Luck by Chance (2009) — Self
3. The Story of Film: An Odyssey (2011) — Self
4. Shamitabh (2015) — Self
5. Manto (2018) — Abid Ali Abid
6. Kaun Banega Crorepati (2000) — Self
7. Koffee with Karan (2004) — Self
8. Indian Idol (2004) — Judge
9. The Roshans (2025) — Self
10. Hanuman Da Damdaar (2017) — Valmiki (voice)
11. Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema (2015) — Self
12. Jai Ho (2014) — self
13. Angry Young Men (2024) — Self
14. Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye (2009) — Judge 1
15. India Shayari Project (2021) — Self
16. The Master: Shyam Benegal (2022) — Himself
17. Follow That Star - Amitabh Bachchan (1989)
18. Bird of Dusk (2018) — (archival footage)
19. Naam Tha Kanhaiyalal (2022)
20. TED Talks India (2017) — Self
21. Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai (2002) — Himself
22. Masala Chai with Rahul Mahajan (2025) — Self