Javed Akhtar Completes Two Film Scripts, Plans Production Soon

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has revealed that he has completed writing scripts for two films, with plans to begin production in the near future.

Akhtar shared the update while speaking about his book Seepiyaan at the closing ceremony of the Kitaab Utsav held in Patna on Tuesday night. In the book, he explains selected couplets by renowned poets such as Kabir, Tulsidas, and Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan in simple language.

Reflecting on his illustrious career spanning over five decades, Akhtar recalled starting out in the 1970s and forming the iconic screenwriting duo with Salim Khan. Together, they created several landmark films including Sholay, Deewar, Zanjeer, Sita Aur Geeta, Trishul, Don, Kranti, Shakti, Andaz and Mr. India.

The celebrated duo parted ways after Mr. India in 1987, but Akhtar continued contributing to cinema as a writer of dialogues and stories. However, he had stayed away from scripting films for a long time.

He revealed that he last worked on a screenplay for his son Farhan Akhtar’s film Lakshya. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to writing and completed scripts for two new films, which are now ready.

Akhtar said he plans to narrate the scripts to his children, filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. If they approve, the projects will move into production soon. He added humorously that if they do not like the scripts, he will approach other producers to bring them to life.

He also revisited his journey as a lyricist, which began in 1981 with Yash Chopra’s classic Silsila. Songs like “Dekha Ek Khwaab” and “Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum” from the film became timeless hits. Over the years, he penned numerous memorable songs, though he now writes less frequently.

Commenting on contemporary music, Akhtar said that many modern songs lack depth. He noted that he has already contributed significantly as a lyricist and feels that current industry trends do not align with his sensibilities, which is why he has distanced himself from film songwriting.

Referring to songs like Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai and Sarkaai Lo Khatiya, he said he had turned down several offers in the 1990s to write similar tracks for big-budget films. He emphasized that he has always maintained dignity in his work and avoided using obscene language in his lyrics.