Javed Akhtar used to be an alcohol addict but does not drink alcohol now. |
Javed Akhtar was originally named "Jadoo" by his parents, inspired by a poem written by his father. |
Generations of poets and songwriters have been a part of Akhtar's family, including his grandfather, elder brother, and father who was a famous songwriter in Bollywood. |
His great-grandfather, Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi, was a scholar of Islamic studies and played a significant role in India's first independence movement in 1857. |
In 1964, Javed Akhtar came to Mumbai with Bollywood aspirations, facing homelessness and hunger before finding shelter at Kamal Amrohi Studio in Jogeshwari. |
The iconic writing duo Salim-Javed met on the set of the film 'Sarhadi Lootera' in 1966, started collaborating, and achieved immense success with 20 hit films, including 'Sholay'. |
Scripts by Salim-Javed were later adapted into successful films like Zamana (1985) and Mr. India (1987). |
Javed Akhtar and his first wife, Honey Irani, coincidentally share the same birthday on 17 January. |
Akhtar used to assist Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi and developed a close bond with Azmi's daughter, Shabana Azmi, through frequent visits to their home. |