I survived so long as I was open to adapt: Javed Akhtar

I survived so long as I was open to adapt: Javed Akhtar
Thursday, October 09, 2014 15:35 IST
Noted lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar just completed 50 years in the film industry and he attributes his success and longevity to his ability to adapt to the generational changes.

Akhtar, 69, began his cinematic journey in 1964 when he stepped foot in Mumbai from Gwalior to pursue his creative dreams.

Since then there has been no looking back as he went on to achieve success and popularity, first as a screenplay writer and then as one of the most successful songwriters Bollywood has ever produced.

"I must thank all those people who were around me and supported me at one stage or another. But in the course of my journey I have realised that it is important to have respect for the younger generation and honestly accept that people half your age know things which you don't. If you try and listen to them and understand what she or he is saying then there will be no generation gap," Akhtar told PTI.

The lyricist, who has successfully collaborated with veterans like RD Burman, Shiv-Hari to much younger composers like AR Rahman, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy among others, said he has always been open to learning throughout his career.

"I have always welcomed the exchange of knowledge between young and old. But I never adopted it as a policy that I have to have an open mind. I genuinely worked towards bridging the generation gap. I think I survived so long as I never tried to impose my age on young people," he said. Akhtar has also worked with his children -- actor-director Farhan and filmmaker Zoya -- in many of their films and he said he has never faced any problem collaborating with them.

"When I am working I am not their father. They don't feel awkward or pressurised. They freely express their views and that is how I like to work," he said. Akhtar began his career as a scriptwriter. He along with his writing partner Salim Khan, credited as Salim-Javed, gave several superhit film in the '70s and early '80s including 'Zanjeer', 'Deewar' and 'Sholay'.

He eventually shifted to writing lyrics for films and achieved several accolades. When asked which phase did he enjoy most in his career, Akhtar said, "From 1970-78, we had an unbelievable run... there is no doubt about it. But I equally enjoyed writing lyrics.

"Those were the times perhaps the film music was going through a different patch. 'Silsila', '1941- A Love Story'...film music took a different direction. That was also a very satisfying and enjoyable period."


Being there in the film industry for the past 50 years, Akhtar has been witness to the evolution of Bollywood in terms of films and music. The lyricist said when he started out howbiz was more of a feudal set up and it is only now that it has become a full-fledged industry.

"That's a fact... now everything is more disciplined. In the '70s and '80s, barring a few people like Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy, Guru Dutt, the quality of work was very bad, so patchy.

Once in a while you had someone like Vijay Anand or Ramesh Sippy. The average was not good," he said. Akhtar said things are far better placed now in Bollywood, with the advent of the new-age filmmakers, who are actually good storytellers.

"There are filmmakers who are bringing in the change. Gradually, the number of films that are rich in content are increasing. But a lot is left to be desired," he said.
Deepika Padukone joins Allu Arjun, Atlee and Sun Pictures in the biggest visual epic of Indian cinema!

A blockbuster announcement has sent the Indian film industry into a tizzy. With icon star Allu Arjun

Monday, June 09, 2025
Friendship, Dreams and Glory: Amazon MX Player drops the trailer for Gamerlog starring Darsheel Safary in a coming-of-age esports showdown!

Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming service, today announced its upcoming series Gamerlog, by

Monday, June 09, 2025
Sonam Bajwa and Chunky Pandey Celebrate the Success of Housefull 5's Bumper Opening!

Housefull 5 is creating waves across the country, winning hearts with its comic timing and receiving applause

Monday, June 09, 2025
Netizens Applaud Chitrangda Singh in Housefull 5!

Chitrangda Singh is back and this time, she is packing in laughter in the theatre. The actress, known for her

Monday, June 09, 2025
Patralekhaa Talks Career Lows, Raj's Support, and Why No One Does It Like Alia and Ranbir in Filmfare's OTT Showcase!

Patralekhaa, an actor who effortlessly combines striking style with compelling substance, opens up in a

Monday, June 09, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT