"Talented people like Amitabh Bachchan are very rare. The kind of work he has done and the example he has set through his work in all these years is a paradigm to all," Akhtar said here Thursday at the red carpet of the Royal Stag Mirchi Music Awards.
Akhtar, along with Salim Khan, wrote the screenplay for several Amitabh-starrer projects like "Zanjeer", "Deewaar", "Sholay", "Trishul" and "Dostana".
"I am very fortunate that we have worked together for many years, did 13 to 14 films together. We even started our career together, and today he has carved a niche for himself and (is) doing amazing," he added.
A tribute to the Big B was paid at the event as singers crooned some of his hit songs.
Asked about the new generation of music directors and songwriters, Akhtar said: "Young music directors are very talented and capable of doing any kind of work and the challenge they will get."
"Even some of the new song writers like Irshad Kamil and Swanand Kirkire are very good. So, good writers who can do wonderful work are coming out. Even Sayeed Kadri also writes good songs," he added.