'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. He shares his experiences of hardship and deprivation, including lack of food, sleep, and clothing. Despite these challenges, Akhtar remained determined to succeed in the film industry. The series premiered exclusively on Prime Video in India on Tuesday.
'I slept at railway stations, studio compounds...'
Akhtar moved to Mumbai as a teenager with dreams of becoming an assistant director. He aspired to work with renowned directors Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor. However, his journey was far from easy. "I slept at railway stations, studio compounds, in corridors, on benches, and so on. Sometimes I had to walk miles from Dadar to Bandra because I didn't have money for the bus fare. Sometimes I realized I hadn't eaten for two days."
Akhtar's determination and resilience
Despite his struggles, Akhtar never sought financial help or considered giving up. He believed that his experiences would make a compelling story in his autobiography. At one point, he found himself without any clothes to wear. His only pair of trousers was torn beyond repair. Yet, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of success in the film industry.
Akhtar's emotional reflection on his past
As Akhtar recounted his early days in Mumbai, he became emotional. He shared that experiences of deprivation leave a lasting impact. Even today, when he stays in five-star hotels or enjoys a lavish breakfast, he is reminded of his past struggles. He often wonders if he deserves such luxuries. These memories serve as a poignant reminder of his journey to success.
