Javed Akhtar: News
Javed Akhtar was born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, Central India Agency, British India. His credits include ‘Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India,’ ‘Om Shanti Om,’ and ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho.’ Since December 9, 1984, he has been married to Shabana Azmi. Previously, he was married to Honey Irani. Akhtar gained fame as part of the Salim–Javed duo and his first film as a screenwriter was 1973-flick 'Zanjeer.’ He went on to create the soundtracks for the films ‘Deewar’ and ‘Sholay,’ both of which were released in 1975 and earned cult status as well as having a significant cultural impact. For his work as a lyricist, he won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics five times and the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist eight times. The Government of India bestowed the civilian honor of Padma Shri on Akhtar in 1999, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2007. As of 2020, he received the Richard Dawkins Award for being a "strong force for secularism, reason, and human rights, fighting superstition and bigotry through his poetry, filmmaking, and political activity."
18 Nov 2024
TalibanJaved Akhtar acquitted in defamation case over RSS-Taliban comparison
In a major development, Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar has been acquitted of a defamation case filed against him.
17 Oct 2024
Gully BoyZoya-Reema Kagti bring real stories with 'Turtle Walker,' 'In Transit'
Tiger Baby Films, the production company of acclaimed filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, is entering the world of unscripted content.
07 Oct 2024
BollywoodJaved Akhtar reveals why he rejected 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'
Renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar recently revealed that he turned down Karan Johar's debut film, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (KKHH), because he hated the title.
28 Sep 2024
Amitabh BachchanWho're modern-day angry young men? Javed Akhtar takes his pick
Indian cinema's legendary lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently spilled the beans on who he thinks are today's "angry young men."
30 Aug 2024
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)Javed Akhtar compares religious obsession to 'schizophrenia'
Renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar recently expressed his views on the intersection of religion and intellect.
20 Aug 2024
Guru Dutt'Angry Young Men': Why Javed Akhtar never asked for help
In the new three-part docuseries Angry Young Men, legendary screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar revisits his early days in Mumbai.
20 Aug 2024
Amazon Prime VideoFrom 'Kalki' to 'Angry Young Men': OTT releases this week
Despite the successful theatrical runs of Stree 2, Khel Khel Mein, and Vedaa, the anticipation for new OTT releases remains high among viewers.
13 Aug 2024
Salman Khan'Men don't want to be men': Salman criticizes modern masculinity
Bollywood actor Salman Khan recently shared his thoughts on evolving notions of masculinity during the trailer launch event of the docu-series Angry Young Men.
13 Aug 2024
Salim KhanSalim-Javed are ready to reunite after 40yrs—but under one condition
The iconic Bollywood scriptwriting duo of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, popularly known as Salim-Javed, are set to collaborate once again for a new film.
13 Aug 2024
BollywoodWant to know real Salim-Javed? Watch 'Angry Young Men' trailer
Prime Video is all set to premiere a three-part docuseries, Angry Young Men, on August 20.
10 Aug 2024
Bollywood'Angry Young Men': Salim-Javed docuseries gets release date!
The much-anticipated docuseries Angry Young Men, chronicling the lives of iconic Bollywood screenwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video.
09 Aug 2024
Amitabh BachchanSalim-Javed documentary coming soon? Amazon Prime's latest update suggests so
Amazon Prime Video is likely to release a documentary on the legendary Bollywood screenwriting duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, popularly known as Salim-Javed.
07 Aug 2024
BollywoodBollywood doesn't value even writers like Gulzar-Javed Akhtar: Varun Grover
Acclaimed writer-filmmaker Varun Grover recently brought attention to the issue of writer exploitation in Bollywood.
29 Jul 2024
Arbaaz Khan'Angry Young Men': Docudrama on Salim-Javed may release around October
The celebrated Indian screenwriting duo, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, known collectively as Salim-Javed, will have their lives and careers chronicled in a docudrama titled Angry Young Men.
29 Jul 2024
Manu BhakerJaved Akhtar's X account hacked! He denies posting Olypmics tweet
Veteran Bollywood lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar fell victim to a cyberattack on Sunday when his X/Twitter account was compromised.
27 Jul 2024
Animal'Industry people were disappointed in me for 'Animal': Ranbir Kapoor
Ranbir Kapoor, the lead actor of the contentious blockbuster Animal, recently addressed the film's mixed reception.
27 Jul 2024
Farah KhanHusband's alcoholism, financial crunch: Farah Khan's mother Menka's difficult life
Menka Irani, mother of acclaimed filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan and director Sajid Khan, passed away in Mumbai on Friday.
25 Jul 2024
Animal'Animal': Why Javed Akhtar thinks Ranbir's character is a 'caricature'
Veteran writer Javed Akhtar has once again voiced his vehement dissatisfaction with the character portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film Animal.
25 Jul 2024
Shabana AzmiShabana Azmi on not having kids, its impact on career
In a candid conversation with Simi Grewal, Hindi cinema legend Shabana Azmi had once opened up about her inability to have children with lyricist-husband Javed Akhtar.
21 Jul 2024
Hrithik RoshanJaved Akhtar demands non-bailable warrant against Kangana in defamation case
Javed Akhtar has filed an application requesting the issuance of a non-bailable warrant against actor-MP Kangana Ranaut, due to her repeated failure to appear in court regarding their ongoing defamation case.
03 Jul 2024
MumbaiJaved Akhtar adds ₹7.8cr Juhu apartment to real estate portfolio
Celebrated poet, scriptwriter, and lyricist, Javed Akhtar has added a luxurious apartment to his property portfolio in Mumbai's posh Juhu neighborhood.
03 Jul 2024
Arbaaz KhanInitially 'kept distance' from Javed Akhtar, reveals Shabana Azmi
Bollywood legend Shabana Azmi surprised fans with a confession about her relationship with screenwriter-lyricist husband Javed Akhtar.
01 Jun 2024
Farhan AkhtarShabana Azmi met Javed Akhtar when she was only three!
Indian cinema icons Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar go way back!
17 Jan 2024
Happy BirthdayJaved Akhtar's birthday: Lesser-known tidbits about the ace lyricist, writer
Renowned poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar is an eminent figure who doesn't need any introduction.
09 Jan 2024
Farhan AkhtarFarhan Akhtar turns 50; Shabana Azmi pens heartwarming note
Farhan Akhtar, the complete package of Bollywood turned 50 on Tuesday and celebrated it with family and close friends.
07 Jan 2024
AnimalWhy 'Animal's X page took dig at lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar
Ever since its release on December 1, Animal has polarized viewers, film critics, and celebrities.
01 Dec 2023
Bollywood'Dunki' Drop 3: 'Nikle The Kabhi Hum Ghar Se' released
Winter is coming and December is full of surprises for Indian cinephiles.
09 Nov 2023
Shah Rukh Khan'Om Shanti Om's anniversary: How Vishal-Sheykhar's music elevated modern-day classic
Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om is embellished with the markings of a true-blue Bollywood blockbuster.
02 Nov 2023
OTT releasesSuhana-Khushi shine in 'The Archies's 'Va Va Voom' music video
Zoya Akhtar is known for her distinct character treatment and she is gearing up for the release of The Archies. The Indian adaptation marks the debut of several star kids including Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, and Agastya Nanda.
16 Oct 2023
Shah Rukh Khan'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai's silver jubilee: Beloved film's interesting facts
Karan Johar's debut directorial and a film that has stayed with generations, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), is celebrating its silver jubilee on Monday.
29 Aug 2023
Bollywood'Rock On!!': How Bollywood film changed landscape for rock bands
From head banging to Pichle Saat Dinon Mein to resorting to Tum Ho Toh during "sadboi hours," Rock On!! manages to be a part of our daily lives to date.
26 Jul 2023
Kangana RanautKangana Ranaut v/s Javed Akhtar defamation case timeline
Veteran Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar has been summoned by a Mumbai Magistrate court on August 5 based on actor Kangana Ranaut's complaint as a counter to his ongoing defamation case.
14 Jun 2023
Kangana Ranaut5 things Javed Akhtar said about his meeting with Kangana
Javed Akhtar and Kangana Ranaut have been embroiled in a legal battle since 2020 after the former filed a defamation suit against Ranaut. On Tuesday, Akhtar appeared before the Andheri Metropolitan Magistrate court revealing details about the time when he called Ranaut to his home for "giving advice" on her public spat with Hrithik Roshan.
04 May 2023
Kangana Ranaut#DefamationCase: Javed Akhtar was 'humiliated' over Kangana Ranaut's 'suicide' remarks
Kangana Ranaut, the Queen of Bollywood is always rocking the headlines. She majorly makes it to the news for her controversial opinions and seldom for her films.
09 Mar 2023
BollywoodWhen Satish Kaushik offered to marry Neena Gupta
The sudden passing of veteran actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik on Thursday left a huge void in everyone's heart.
03 Mar 2023
BollywoodHappy birthday, Shankar Mahadevan: Top 5 songs of the legend
Renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan is celebrating his 56th birthday on Friday, March 3. The versatile singer and music composer has gifted the film industry with his soulful music and voice.
22 Feb 2023
Bollywood'Don't consider her important': Javed Akhtar on Kangana supporting him
Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut took everyone by surprise when she applauded popular writer/lyricist Javed Akhtar for reminding Pakistan of the Mumbai terror attacks of 26/11 at the Faiz Festival 2023 in Lahore where he was invited as a guest.
21 Feb 2023
BollywoodJaved Akhtar recalls deadly 26/11 attacks at event in Pakistan
Lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar is presently in Lahore, for a festival.
17 Jan 2023
BollywoodHappy birthday, Javed Akhtar: Revisiting our favorite songs by him
Poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar is a living legend and an unparalleled institution of poetry and lyric writing.
24 Nov 2022
Salim Khan5 Salim-Javed films that changed Hindi cinema forever
Indian Cinema is all about catapulting star images. Here we fall in love with our favorite actors, giving them a demi-god status.
30 Jul 2022
Kangana RanautDefamation case: Kangana Ranaut requests court to record sister's statement
Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut has reportedly approached a court in Mumbai, urging it to record her sister Rangoli Chandel's statement in the ongoing defamation case filed against her by lyricist Javed Akhtar.
25 Mar 2022
Kangana Ranaut#DefamationCase: 'Celebrity, but accused,' Court denies Kangana Ranaut permanent exemption
In the ongoing defamation case filed against Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut by veteran lyricist/screenwriter Javed Akhtar, the former had applied for permanent exemption from appearing in front of the court.
26 Feb 2022
Kangana RanautJaved Akhtar defamation case: Order reserved on Kangana's transfer plea
We have a new update on the ongoing defamation case brought in by veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar against actor Kangana Ranaut.
04 Feb 2022
BollywoodShibani Dandekar-Farhan Akhtar to marry this month, confirms Javed Akhtar
It's the season of weddings in Bollywood and the next couple to tie the knot is actor/director/producer Farhan Akhtar and anchor/model Shibani Dandekar.
01 Feb 2022
Boney KapoorShabana Azmi contracts COVID-19; Boney Kapoor leaves quirky comment
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi took to her social media handles late on Monday to announce that she has tested positive for the dangerous COVID-19.
28 Sep 2021
EntertainmentShow-cause notice sent to Javed Akhtar over RSS Taliban comment
A show-cause notice was issued to veteran Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar by a Thane court recently over his purported defamatory comment where he had compared the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the Taliban.
20 Sep 2021
EntertainmentJaved Akhtar case: Kangana Ranaut appears in court, files counter-complaint
Actress Kangana Ranaut appeared in front of the Metropolitan Magistrate's Court on Monday in relation to the defamation case filed against her by poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar.
09 Sep 2021
Bombay High CourtJaved Akhtar's defamation case filed against Kangana Ranaut will stay
Kangana Ranaut, whose film Thalaivii will hit the theaters tomorrow, received a major legal setback today.
06 Sep 2021
TalibanBJP wants Akhtar to apologize for comparing RSS with Taliban
Security was beefed up outside the residence of writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar in Mumbai on Monday after a Maharashtra BJP MLA demanded an apology from him over his remark where he allegedly compared the RSS with the Taliban, a police official said.
05 Sep 2021
EntertainmentBJP leader demands apology from Javed Akhtar over Taliban comment
Veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar recently compared the Taliban to functionaries of organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in a media interaction.
13 Aug 2021
Independence DaySad that filmmakers are dumping songs from films: Javed Akhtar
Noted screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar says today filmmakers use songs in movies as an obligation for revenue and not as a narrative tool because they are "embarrassed" about it.
20 Jul 2021
Salman KhanI once envisioned documentary on dad as private docu-drama: Arbaaz
Actor-producer Arbaaz Khan says he is thrilled that a documentary on the formidable screenwriter duo Salim Khan, his father, and Javed Akhtar is being developed, something that he had once envisioned as a private docu-drama for the family.
15 Jun 2021
Salman KhanSalman, Farhan, Zoya to produce documentary on Salim-Javed
The story behind the formidable writer duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar will be brought to the screen in a documentary produced by their children, superstar Salman Khan, actor Farhan Akhtar, and filmmaker Zoya Akhtar.
01 Jun 2021
Zoya AkhtarNetflix to buy streaming rights of documentary drama on Salim-Javed?
Netflix is apparently eyeing to buy the digital streaming rights of an upcoming docu-drama on the famed writer duo Salim-Javed, said a report.
26 Mar 2021
BollywoodKangana Ranaut granted bail in Javed Akhtar defamation case
On Thursday, a Mumbai court granted bail to actress Kangana Ranaut in the criminal defamation case filed by lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar.
02 Mar 2021
BollywoodKangana Ranaut moves SC seeking transfer of cases to Himachal
Bollywood actor, Kangana Ranaut, who often surfaces in the news for her statements, has now approached the Supreme Court, seeking the transfer of cases to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, her home state, reports Live Law.
01 Mar 2021
IndiaBailable warrant against Kangana Ranaut in Javed Akhtar's defamation case
A court in Mumbai today issued a bailable warrant against film actor Kangana Ranaut after she failed to appear before it in connection with a criminal defamation complaint filed against her by lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar, reports say.
01 Feb 2021
Mumbai PoliceKangana Ranaut summoned in Javed Akhtar's defamation case
On Monday, a Mumbai court issued summons to actor Kangana Ranaut in the defamation case filed by lyricist Javed Akhtar last year.
19 Dec 2020
BollywoodPolice probe ordered into Javed Akhtar's complaint against Kangana
A metropolitan magistrate court in Mumbai today ordered a police investigation into lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar's defamation complaint against actor Kangana Ranaut for allegedly making derogatory comments against him.
04 Nov 2020
Kangana RanautJaved Akhtar files defamation case against Kangana Ranaut
Poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has filed a defamation case against actor Kangana Ranaut.
09 Jul 2020
BollywoodRIP Jagdeep: Bollywood thanks the veteran for decades of entertainment
Veteran actor Jagdeep, who played the iconic role of Soorma Bhopali in cult classic Sholay, and made the audience laugh for decades through his unmatchable comic timing and onscreen antics, passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Mumbai. He was 81. He will be laid to rest today.
10 Apr 2020
Airtel Digital TVAmid lockdown, leading DTH operators offer subscribers free service channels
Leading DTH operators in India have started offering some free service channels in India, the offer is valid at least till April 14. The move is aimed at encouraging home-bound customers to try activities like cooking, dancing, and exercising during the ongoing nation-wide lockdown.
28 Feb 2020
India'Mr. India' row: Javed Akhtar lashes out at Shekhar Kapur
The announcement of a planned reboot of the 1987 Bollywood movie Mr. India has got mired in a major controversy.
19 Feb 2020
BollywoodJaved Akhtar threatened Kangana, said 'apologize' to Hrithik: Rangoli Chandel
In her latest attack, Kangana Ranaut's sister Rangoli Chandel has claimed that poet/lyricist Javed Akhtar once threatened Kangana Ranaut and asked her to apologize to fellow actor Hrithik Roshan, who the actress infamously had a spat with.
18 Jan 2020
Shabana AzmiShabana Azmi injured in road accident on Mumbai-Pune Expressway
In a tragic incident, veteran actress Shabana Azmi on Saturday met with a car accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Shabana (69) has reportedly sustained critical injuries.
26 Apr 2019
Kanhaiya KumarShabana Azmi seeks votes for Kanhaiya Kumar, slams BJP
On Thursday, veteran actress Shabana Azmi campaigned for CPI candidate Kanhaiya Kumar in Begusarai, where she accused BJP of inciting communal tensions.
08 Apr 2019
Election Commission of India (ECI)Congress removes stanza from campaign theme song after EC objects
The Congress had to remove one stanza from its campaign theme song, which was an apparent jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the Election Commission objected to it, sources said.
23 Mar 2019
Vivek Oberoi'PM Narendra Modi': Here's why Javed Akhtar, Sameer were credited
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming biopic has been in the swirling vortex of controversy since inception.
22 Dec 2018
XWhy should we ignore Bollywood babas?
Have you seen Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Ratan Tata giving people marital advice on Twitter? Or Sachin Tendulkar talking about how to raise funds from a venture capitalist? Exactly.
24 Jul 2018
CelebrityBollywood celebs voice their outrage over increasing instances of lynching
Bollywood celebrities, including lyricist Javed Akhtar and director Sudhir Mishra, today voiced their outrage over the increasing instances of lynching and pressed for justice for the victims.
27 Jun 2018
Delhi PoliceCarton containing chopped-body leads Police to engineer who killed wife
The most carefully planned crimes can unravel with the minutest of details. So proved Delhi Police, who found pieces of a woman's body in a carton in Jasola Vihar.
02 May 2018
Sona MohapatraSufi group threatens Sona Mohapatra, invites Javed Akhtar's ire
Javed Akhtar condemned sufi group, Madariya Sufi Foundation for threatening singer Sona Mohapatra and asking her to take down her music video of 'Tori Surat'.
23 Apr 2018
IndiaJaved Akhtar's IPRS company distributes Rs. 13cr royalty to members
Veteran film writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar, who is the Chairman of the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS), today distributed Rs. 13cr among its members as part of the royalty given by music companies.
12 Apr 2018
Uttar PradeshJustice for Unnao, Kathua rape victims: Bollywood comes forward
Angry, ashamed, and heartbroken is how the Indian film industry personalities described their feelings over the brutal Unnao and Kathua rapes and demanded swift action against the perpetrators.
28 Mar 2018
Aamir KhanDon't try to pollute film industry with communal bias: Akhtar
Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar today warned "bigots" to be wary of communalizing the Indian film industry, which he termed as "the citadel of secularism".
23 Mar 2018
BollywoodDaisy Irani, child-star of the 1950s, was raped at 6
Famous child star of the yesteryears, Daisy Irani, has revealed more than 60 years later that she was raped during a shoot when she was six.
19 Mar 2018
XKaran Johar celebrates mother Hiroo Johar's birthday with Kajol
The 75th birthday of filmmaker Karan Johar's mother Hiroo turned out to be a memorable affair as Karan Johar and Kajol, who had a fallout in 2016, happily posed for pictures together.
21 Mar 2017
Supreme Court Of IndiaIllayaraja's legal notice to Balasubramanyam for using his compositions
Music legend Illayaraja sent a legal notice to playback singer Balasubramanyam for singing the former's compositions without prior permission at many concerts.
