Today marks the 78th birthday of one of the nation’s most prolific writers and poets, Javed Akhtar. From his first marriage to former Indian actor and screenwriter Honey Irani, the lyricist and five-time National Award winner is the father of actor-director-singer Farhan Akhtar and director Zoya.
Both of his children wished their father a happy birthday on their separate Instagram accounts today. In a black and white photo that his son Farhan posted, his father can be seen grinning at the camera. “Happy birthday, father,” he wrote. You understand how much you mean to me and to everyone whose life, thinking, and work you have improved.
Along with his collaborator Salim Khan, the five-time National Cinema Award winner Javed Akhtar is regarded as the first screenwriter in the Hindi film industry. Their legendary team, “Salim-Javed,” had sparked a revolution that had greatly improved Indian cinema. Javed Akhtar is well known not only for his work as a scriptwriter but also for his accomplishments as a poet and lyricist. He had written several amazing songs throughout the years, including Ek Ladki Ko Dekha, Ghar Se Nikalte, Sandese Aate Hai, Khwabon Ke Parindey, Jee Le Zara, and a long list of others.
However, Zoya also uploaded a stunning throwback photo from 1964, in which her father Javed could be seen standing on a Mumbai beach.
Celebrities like Arjun Rampal, Shweta Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Shibani Dandekar, and others sent comments on the page wishing the renowned artist a happy birthday.
Javed Akhtar has frequently discussed his relationship with his ex-wife Honey and how, despite being divorced, they are still close friends and want what is best for their kids. The songwriter wed actor Shabana Azmi in 1984 following their divorce.