Intro

Poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar is a living legend and an institution of poetry and lyric writing. On his 78th birthday, we have listed some melodies where he completely outdid himself.

‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha’

To describe the gorgeousness of a woman in multiple ways is one thing, but to weave a song out of it is completely another thing—something only Akhtar can do!

‘Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om'

Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om is a remarkable song, perhaps the beating heart of the entire movie. This story-within-a-song format is not easy to achieve; only some apart from Akhtar could have done it.

'Kal Ho Naa Ho'

The title track of Kal Ho Naa Ho implores us to count life's blessings. The film has achieved cult classic status today and a major portion of the credit goes to Akhtar and Sonu Nigam's collaboration.

‘Breathless’

Shankar Mahadevan’s exceptional melody Breathless has scripted a legacy that is hard to come close to. With Akhtar's quill and Mahadevan's vocal cords casting a magic spell, what could go wrong?

‘Do Pal’

A heartbreaking song that stays with you much after you have stopped listening to it, Do Pal from Veer Zara  is an acquired taste; it grows on you gradually and refuses to leave your heart.