MUMBAI: Noted poet, lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar is celebrating his 68th birthday today (17 January 2013). Akthtar, who arrived in Mumbai in 1964 and gradually walked up his way to writing dialogues and lyrics for films, has now become a name to reckon with in the Indian music and film fraternity.
Akhtar, best known for being one half of the prolific screewriting duo of Salim-Javed dominated the film industry in the 70s and 80s. ‘Andaaz’ (1971), ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ (1971), ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat’ (1973), ‘Zanjeer’ (1973), ‘Majboor’ (1974), ‘Sholay’ (1975), ‘Deewar’ (1975), ‘Betaab’ (1983) and ‘Mr India’ (1987) are few of his remarkable contributions to the Indian cinema. His contemporary work include ‘Don: The Chase Begins’ (2006) and ‘Zanjeer’ (2013) among others.
His more recent lyrical contribution include ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha’ (1942-A Love Story), ‘Ghar Se Nikalte Hi’ (Papa Kahte Hain), ‘Sandese Aate Hain’ (Border), ‘Radha Kaise Na Jale’ (Lagaan), ‘Jashn-e-Bahara’ (Jodhaa Akbar), Kal Ho Naa Ho, ‘Tere Liye’ (Veer Zaara), Rock On!!, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Talaash among others.
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He has been successful in multiple fields of work, including script writing, lyrics, poetry and also judging singing talents. He received the Padma Shri in 1999 and has won the Filmfare Award 14 times. For all his achievements with his pen which has the power to wax eloquence, Akthar’s contribution may as well be in the hallowed halls of the court rooms and the Parliament.
The Padma Bhushan (2007) awardee has for a long time championed for a more equitable payment of royalties for artists and he has been instrumental in getting the Copyright Amendment Bill 2012 passed in the Parliament last year.
Supporting the underpaid artists of the film industry, Akthar proposed including a clause in the Copyright Amendment Bill, 2010 which stated lyricists and music composers should get 12.5 per cent share each of royalties from particular music sales. This clause had far-reaching implications on how royalties, which over the years, accumulates to lakhs and crores of Rupees.
Producers accused him of using the law for his benefit and Akthar faced the backlash of the producers and those who opposed the Amendment.
The Film Federation of India (FFI) advised its members not to employ Akhtar. However, he stood his ground and won the war when the Bill was passed in 2012.
Accepting Radioandmusic.com’s wishes with his customary humility, Akthar said, “I will be at home and have no celebration plans yet.”
Asked about his journey in getting Copyright Amendment Bill, 2010 passed, Akthar said that he would like to talk on the matter some other day.
We once again extend the heartiest birthday salutations to the man who gave us poetry to numerous tunes over the decades, and to one who stuck to his guns (sic. pen) for the country’s artists.
