
Personal Info
Known For
Writing
Born
January 17, 1945 (age 81)
Also Known As
जावेद अख़्तर
Salim-Javed
Javed Akthar
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.
Known For

TV
Kaun Banega Crorepati
Self
2000

TV
Indian Idol
Judge
2004

TV
Indian Idol
Self
2004

TV
Koffee with Karan
Self
2004
TV
Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai
Himself
2002

TV
The Story of Film: An Odyssey
Self
2011

TV
The Roshans
Self
2025

TV
TED Talks India
Self
2017

TV
Angry Young Men
Self
2024

Film
Jai Ho
self
2014

Film
Bareilly Ki Barfi
Narrator
2017

Film
Luck by Chance
Self
2009

Film
Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema
Self
2015

Film
Shamitabh
Self
2015

Film
Manto
Abid Ali Abid
2018

Film
Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye
Judge 1
2009

Film
Naam Tha Kanhaiyalal
2022

Film
Hanuman Da Damdaar
Valmiki (voice)
2017
Film
The Master: Shyam Benegal
Himself
2022

Film
Bird of Dusk
(archival footage)
2018
Filmography
2025TVMasala Chai with Rahul Mahajanas Self2025TVThe Roshansas Self2024TVAngry Young Menas Self2022FilmNaam Tha Kanhaiyalal2022FilmThe Master: Shyam Benegalas Himself2021FilmIndia Shayari Projectas Self2018FilmBird of Duskas (archival footage)2018FilmMantoas Abid Ali Abid2017TVTED Talks Indiaas Self2017FilmBareilly Ki Barfias Narrator2017FilmHanuman Da Damdaaras Valmiki (voice)2015FilmBollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinemaas Self2015FilmShamitabhas Self2014FilmJai Hoas self2011TVThe Story of Film: An Odysseyas Self2009FilmMere Khwabon Mein Jo Aayeas Judge 12009FilmLuck by Chanceas Self2004TVKoffee with Karanas Self2004TVIndian Idolas Judge2002TVJeena Isi Ka Naam Haias Himself2000TVKaun Banega Crorepatias Self1989FilmFollow That Star - Amitabh Bachchan