Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar marks his 81st birthday today. In a recent interview, he opened up about his daily life with refreshing honesty and humor. Akhtar emphasized how his ordinary routines mirror those of any regular person, highlighting that true contentment stems from simplicity rather than material luxuries or public acclaim.
Embracing a Regular Life
Speaking with ANI, Javed Akhtar described his typical day in vivid detail. He said, "Main toh ek badi regular life guzarta hun...kabhi bhi so jata hun, kabhi bhi uth jata hun, jo jee chahta woh khaleta hun...Ice cream bhi khata hun...chai mein shakar bhi dalta hun..ek regular life hai meri. Aap bhi guzariye meri umar ke ho jayenge aap ya kamse kam meri umar ke lagne toh lagenge."
This translates loosely to English as, "I live a very regular life. I sleep whenever I want, I wake up whenever I want, I eat whatever I feel like eating. I even eat ice cream. I add sugar to my tea. My life is very normal. You should also live like this. You will reach my age, or at least start looking as old as me."
Keeping the Inner Child Alive
Akhtar stressed that advancing age has not diminished his childlike sense of joy. Simple pleasures like enjoying ice cream, adding sugar to his tea, and following his own sleep schedule bring him immense happiness. These small, everyday actions create a joyful existence without the pressures of societal expectations.
Many fans and followers found inspiration in his approach to life. His attitude demonstrates that growing older does not necessitate losing one's happiness or zest for living.
A Legendary Career in Hindi Cinema
Javed Akhtar stands as one of the most revered figures in Indian cinema. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007 for his contributions to arts and literature.
His most celebrated period came through his partnership with Salim Khan. Together, known as Salim-Javed, they penned iconic films that reshaped Bollywood. Their legendary scripts for movies like 'Zanjeer', 'Deewaar', and 'Sholay' left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema, influencing generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
Akhtar's work continues to resonate, blending powerful storytelling with social commentary. His legacy extends beyond screenwriting to include memorable lyrics and poetry, cementing his status as a multifaceted artist.
