Javed Akhtar, one of the most renowned lyricists and scriptwriters, came to Mumbai in 1964. He had a humble start in the city of dreams, working for different filmmakers during the early stages of his career. Doing the rounds of studios with only the shirt on his back, being paid less than a peon, and not knowing where his next meal would come from — that was Javed Akhtar’s life between 1965 and 1970. What kept him going? The belief that success would eventually be his. 'Got paid less than a peon in first film’ Recalling his early career in Mumbai during a conversation with Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist, Javed Akhtar said, “My first boss was Mr. Kamal Amrohi. He paid me Rs 50 for the role of assistant. The peon in that office used to get Rs 80. And I was the only one who could write in English. But then the picture came to a halt, and I didn’t even have the Rs 50-a-month job anymore.” Javed Akhtar recalls living with boss He continued, “Later, I got another job with Mr. Asim Sagar, who was making a film called Saradhi Lutera, with Sheikh Muftar as the hero. There was also a young boy and a girl playing the romantic leads. I was paid Rs 100 a month and was living at Mrs. Sagar's house. There, I grew close to a little girl in the house who was three years old. Now she's a grandmother, but she still keeps in touch with me and meets me sometimes. She used to listen to everything I said. If I told her to sleep, she’d sleep; if I told her to eat, she’d eat. I had developed an emotional bond with her.” Javed Akhtar on life from 1965-1970 He further added, “Then I got a job with Mr. Brij Sadanah, who had made Victoria No. 203. I was an assistant, earning Rs 175 a month — the highest I’d earned as an assistant until I landed a job at Sippy Films in 1970, where I was paid Rs 750.” Reflecting on those years, he said, “From 1965 to 1970, I didn’t come under a truck or bus. I didn’t lose my eyesight. I didn’t get cancer. I didn’t lose an arm or a leg. Short of that, whatever problem a human being can face, I went through in those five years. But when I got the job with Sippy Films for Rs 750, I felt I had finally made a place for myself. And from there, I thought — let’s see what happens.”
10 May,2025 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar played a pivotal role in getting the Copyright Amendment Act 2012 passed in the parliament. Before the 2012 amendment, music composers and lyricists often signed away their rights for a one-time payment for their work. As a Rajya Sabha member, Javed Akhtar gave a powerful speech in support of the bill and got the support of the ruling and opposition party to get the bill passed. Javed Akhtar recalls boycott calls by producers Akhtar emphasized the exploitation of creators and highlighted how lyricists and composers, despite their central creative contributions, were excluded from revenue sharing. However, this move didn't sit well with many music companies and producers, and took out their anger towards the lyricist by passing a resolution to boycott him. A resolution was passed to boycott Javed Akhtar. Talking about the same on Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist, the veteran artist said, “Yes, that's true. But it doesn't matter. It was too late. They should have done it 20 years ago. What's the problem now?” I lost many productions: Javed “I had a meeting in Sun and Sand (hotel in Mumbai’s Juhu area) with some of our producers, with whom I have worked before and written super-hit films for. They were there and passed a resolution to boycott me,” he recalled adding, “Because they are not very educated people, within two days, somebody told them, it's illegal to boycott someone. He can go to court against it. So they said no to boycotting. They then decided that until this problem is solved, they won’t work with me. And yes, I lost many productions. Even today, they are not working with me.” ‘I came to Bombay with Rs 27’ Later, Akhtar met one of the people who passed the resolution to boycott him and told him why they can cause him no harm. “So I met one of them, who had participated in this resolution. I told him that on 4th of October, 1964, I had stepped down on the Bombay Central platform with 27 naya paisa in my pocket. Somebody had come to receive me. But I had 27 naya paisa when I entered Bombay. I had food on the way. It was a 2.5-day journey from Bhopal. So I told them that from where I had come, you won't be able to take me there.” “I had come with 27 naya paisa. It doesn't matter anymore. So what happened? Nothing. You don't want me to give writing work, don't. You should have done this earlier. I was fine by then,” he concluded.
10 May,2025 10:00 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar, who rose to fame as the iconic duo Salim-Javed, recalls his rapport with his partner for years as they worked together on blockbuster hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Zanjeer, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Deewaar, and Sholay, to name a few. On Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist series, Javed Akhtar shares deets on his collaboration with Salim Khan, not watching his old works, and more. Javed Akhtar on working with Salim Khan It’s been months since Amazon Prime Video released the docu-series Angry Young Men that traced the journey of Salim-Javed. When Javed was asked about his rapport with Salim, who is 10 years older than him, he asserted that it was a mix of parental and brotherhood. “He had the final say in the partnership.” Javed elaborated, “When we were sitting and developing a screenplay, we were equals. But you see, both of us come from a culture where chote bada ka khayal is inherent in our temperament. So he was older than me and elder than me, and more experienced than me. So woh chote bada ka rishta toh tha. But when we were working, we were working. When I write a song for Zoya or Farhan (Akhtar), I can't treat them like my children. Then they are directors. So when you are discussing a screenplay, you are a writer. That's all. Then there is no age.” I don’t see my old films: Javed Akhtar Taking the conversation ahead regarding the series, Javed wished certain things remained in the final cut, but maintained, “Perfection is some kind of a mirage that you can only pursue. You can walk towards it. You can't reach it. So what happens when you do something, and after a few years, if you look back, now I don't. I don't see my old films. I don't listen to my old songs. Never. But sometimes it happens to me. Recently, I saw Trishul (1978) perhaps after 30 years. I had never seen it when it was released.” Javed even went on to say that he was amused after watching Trishul. Reason? “It's a story of two real estate giants. They are father and son, but obviously, the father doesn't know that. And they are outwitting and outbidding each other in Delhi. And in the complete film, one word was never pronounced - crores. It was only lakhs. It was beyond our imagination, crores at that time in the 70s.”
10 May,2025 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar was born in 1945 in Gwalior and raised in a communist household. Upon his birth, he was also fed the Communist Manifesto into his ears. Today, however, he enjoys a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle, owning multiple properties. In a candid conversation with Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist, Akhtar spoke about his early ideological roots and how they coexist with his present-day affluence. 'No idea about how much money I have' Talking about his relationship with money, Akhtar shared, “I think I have accounts in three banks. If you ask me how much money is in each account, I swear I don’t know. Thankfully, I have some very competent people who handle all that. They get my signatures on papers, and in my whole life, I’ve never had a problem with income tax,” he said, adding that he has never been on the wrong side of the law. Akhtar also revealed that he doesn’t carry a wallet and rarely shops for himself. His wife, actress Shabana Azmi, or their staff usually orders or buys things for him. “I don’t know the price of anything. But buying shoes is a problem,” he admitted. He shared that the only time he carries physical money is when he is visiting a hotel and will have to tip the staff members. 'Last bought shoes worth Rs 17' He added that it irritates Shabana when he orders 20 pairs of shoes to try on at home rather than going to the store. “The last time I bought shoes myself was in the 1950s, and they cost Rs 17. I had insisted on getting crepe sole shoes, which were premium back then. My family constantly reminded me about those expensive shoes,” he recalled. So, when he recently went shoe shopping and was told a pair cost Rs 5,500, he was stunned. “It completely baffled me,” he said. 'I want a lot of money' 'Despite his modest roots, Akhtar sees no contradiction in wanting comfort and material ease. “I want a lot of money because I want to live comfortably. I also want to help people — and I need money for that,” he stated. The veteran says that he should not be made to feel guilty of living a life of comfort and luxury.
10 May,2025 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar is a teetotaller today. However, he was not always like that. Back in the day, during the early years of his career, Akhtar had a group of drinking buddies, which included names like Shatrughan Sinha and Subhash Ghai. They, along with others from the film industry, would frequently gather at a bar set up in a flat in Bandra called Beli's Adda. However, over time, Akhtar gave up drinking and now totally abstains from it. Javed Akhtar recalls drinking days In a chat with Mid-day's Sit With Hitlist, Javed Akhtar spoke about his alleged image of being anti-alcohol. He clarified that he is not anti-alcohol and believes that anyone who can drink in moderation should do so. "It's a great pleasure, it's good for your heart, it's good for your nerves, it relaxes you. You can socialise, and it also gives a confidence boost." Akhtar further said that he cannot do anything in moderation — and that is his problem. "I used to consume almost a bottle daily for many years. I developed an allergy towards whisky. Then I thought I must switch to beer. I would drink 18 bottles of beer in one sitting. I would wonder why I was developing a beer belly. Then I quit beer and started drinking rum. I came to realise that rum is the best drink in this country. We make the best rum." Javed Akhtar on regrets Despite leading a prolific career and making a name for himself, he has regrets. Talking about them, the 80-year-old said, "I have many regrets. I have wasted so much time. I have misbehaved with certain people. I have let down some people in my life, and I will live with this guilt. I can't do anything about it except being extra nice to them, extra warm to them — but that's no compensation. I wasted time drinking. I had the opportunity to learn a language, to learn a musical instrument. I have an understanding of music. But I did not pursue it." "I did not spend my time very constructively when I could afford to do that. In my relationships, I may have messed up some that I now repent. I can't believe that I behaved like that. I'm so ashamed of it. So how can I not have regrets? I have many,” he concluded.
10 May,2025 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the 2024 docu-series Angry Young Men, veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar had mentioned being deprived of food, sleep, and clothes during his struggle days in Mumbai. On Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist series, he discussed the same at length and also made a shocking revelation, stating that despite all the hardships, the thought of committing suicide never occurred to him. Javed Akhtar never had suicidal thoughts Recalling his struggle days in the maximum city, Javed shared, “Maine bahut bure din dekhe hain (I have seen very bad days).” He elaborated, “I had nothing. I used to wake up thinking where I’d have my next meal. Breakfast was not on the list of comforts. I didn’t even know where I’d sleep. It didn’t happen for weeks or months, but a couple of years. When I look back in introspection, this thought of committing suicide never came to me.” He further added how it never occurred to him that instead of starving for over 2 days, he could have easily relished a meal outside the Mahim Dargah, where devotees would sometimes donate a large sum of money to feed the hungry and poor. He is glad that things have changed for him, and he can share his life experiences. “I could have died there. I had such high self-esteem, the idea was — it's just a matter of time. I was so sure of that.” Javed Akhtar on being deprived of food In the Angry Young Men docu-series, the Sholay screenwriter got teary-eyed and said, “If you have been deprived of food or sleep in your life, it leaves a deep mark on you that you will never forget. When I go to a five-star hotel with large sprawling double beds, and sometimes when I am lying there, I remember coming to Bombay in the third-class train compartment. It used to take two days. There was no place to sit in the compartment, not even a place to lean against, and I was deprived of sleep, and how tired I was, if only I had a little stretch of that double bed.
10 May,2025 08:01 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPlease tell me you are not scared of ghosts,” is the first thing Karan Tacker was told before he was offered Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Story. The actor, “petrified” of supernatural elements, was about to turn the show down when the makers suggested that he read the material before making up his mind. “I was instantly hooked,” laughs the actor. The series also features Kalki Koechlin The upcoming Amazon MX Player show is based on the true story of Gaurav Tiwari, a paranormal investigator, and his unusual death. Tacker says he found Tiwari fascinating. “Gaurav came from a well-to-do family in Delhi, left his father’s business to pursue acting in Mumbai unsuccessfully and became a pilot eventually. It was when he had an incident [while flying] that his curiosity on the paranormal was piqued,” he shares. At a time when the industry is going through a slump, Tacker counts himself lucky to have projects lined up, including the web series Special Ops 2, and a film. The actor says his battle is of a different kind. “To date, I have to keep fighting to prove that I’m not just an actor from television and I have more to offer. It’s sad that TV is looked down upon in the entertainment industry. If I want to do an article, my first insistence to my PR is, ‘Please make sure they don’t write TV actor Karan Tacker’. You don’t write ‘OTT actor Vijay Varma’ or ‘OTT actor Jaideep Ahlawat’. I don’t know why television actors get slotted so terribly. A casting director once told me, ‘I have 40 actors from film families that I need to cast. Where will I put a TV actor?’”
10 May,2025 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaOn May 8, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory directing OTT platforms, media streaming platforms, and intermediaries to remove all streaming content originating from Pakistan. In the ministry’s circular, the platforms were advised to “discontinue the web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming media content, having its origins in Pakistan, with immediate effect.” This comes amid the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict. In keeping with the advisory, by the morning of May 9, Zee5 had pulled down its much-loved Pakistani shows Churails (2020) and Barzakh (2024). Pakistani dramas Humsafar and Zindagi Gulzar Hai, which used to stream on Hum TV’s YouTube channel, were no longer available in India. Late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Through its subsidiary Zindagi, Zee5 had introduced Pakistani content to Indian audiences, bringing director Asim Abbasi’s Churails in 2020. Abbasi’s Barzakh too had found takers, as Pakistani actor Fawad Khan returned to Indian screens with the series. An insider tells mid-day, “Zindagi became defunct right after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, while the shows continued to stream on Zee5. But now, the shows have been pulled down from Zee5 and its YouTube channel around the globe. The shows’ promotional materials too have been removed. The filmmaker and the cast have no way of accessing their work anymore.” Atif Aslam and Pasoori singer Ali Sethi. Pics/Instagram The advisory affects not only the past and current works, but also those in the pipeline. Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samet Lo, which is Netflix’s first Pakistani original series, will no longer première in India. An insider from the streaming giant reveals, “Though Netflix boasts simultaneous releases across the globe, this show will not stream in India. It’s scheduled for a late June release in the remaining parts of the world.” The advisory’s reach extends beyond visual media. The legacy Instagram account of late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan as well as that of Pasoori singer Ali Sethi, who lives in the US, have become inaccessible in India from May 9. Audio streaming platforms in India have initiated the process of removing works by Pakistani artistes from their library. A Jio Saavn insider says, “It will take a while to do this as there is overlapping in certain cases. For instance, Atif Aslam has sung many songs for Indian productions; those can’t be dropped. Nusrat saab is a legend. How do we remove all his music, some of which were in collaboration with Indian artistes?” ‘Exceeding constitutional limits’ The Internet Freedom Foundation, an Indian not-for-profit organisation, opposed the I&B Ministry’s advisory. An excerpt from the foundation’s statement read, “The Internet Freedom Foundation [IFF] mourns the lives lost in the April 22 Pahalgam attack and affirms that national security is a paramount constitutional duty, yet insists that security measures themselves must remain within constitutional limits. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s ‘advisory’ ordering every OTT service, streaming platform, and intermediary in India to remove all content having its origins in Pakistan exceeds those limits.”
10 May,2025 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuOne of the best works of Salim-Javed, Sholay (1975), marked its 50th anniversary this year. It starred legendary actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bachchan, and Amjad Khan, among others. Sholay continues to remain iconic with its storyline, powerful dialogues, and chartbuster songs such as Mehbooba Mehbooba and Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge, to name a few. On Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist series, Javed Akhtar gets candid about the film and why he feels regret when appreciated for it. I worked on Sholay 50 years ago: Javed Akhtar The veteran screenwriter says that he doesn’t feel happy when people praise him by mentioning Sholay, a project he worked on 50 years ago. He explains in Hindi, “Mere liye kaafi afsos ki baat hai. Agar koi mujhe Sholay ki baat kare, toh 50 saal pehle main ek kaam kiya tha, jo wo appreciate kar rahe hain, toh main baaki 50 saal kya kar raha tha? I should think that, instead of feeling happy. "Ho ho, yeh Sholay ki tarif kar raha hai." Are bhaiya, tune 50 saal mein koi aur kaam nahi kiye, jiski wo tarif kar sakhe? Toh bade afsos ki baat hai. Aaram se raho, socho kya karna hai, don't live in your past. Bilkul bekar baat hai.” (It's quite a matter of regret for me. If someone talks to me about Sholay, a film I worked on 50 years ago, and they’re still appreciating that work, then I have to ask myself—what have I been doing for the other 50 years? That’s what I should be thinking, instead of feeling happy. “Oh wow, they’re praising Sholay.” But brother, didn’t you do any other work in 50 years that they could praise? So, it’s something to regret. Take it easy, reflect on what you want to do—Don’t live in your past. It’s a completely pointless thing to do.) What is the film Sholay about Sholay revolves around the village of Ramgarh, where retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) plots to bring down the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) and enlists the help of two lesser criminals, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra). When Gabbar attacks the village, Jai and Veeru wonder why Thakur does nothing to help them. They soon learn that he has no arms and that Gabbar was the one who cut them off. Enraged by this, they redouble their efforts to help Thakur.
10 May,2025 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith the tension between India and Pakistan escalating, the Indian film industry is recalibrating its immediate activities. Close on the heels of Bhool Chuk Maaf’s makers announcing skipping its theatrical release, Aamir Khan has pushed the trailer launch of Sitaare Zameen Par. We’ve heard that the actor intended to release the three-minute-plus trailer on May 8, but decided against it. A source close to the production house reveals, “Considering the developments at the borders and the nationwide alert, Aamir decided to postpone the release of Sitaare Zameen Par’s trailer. His thoughts are with the bravehearts of our Armed Forces. He feels it is important to respond with unity and restraint during this time.” Also starring Genelia Deshmukh, the dramedy is set for a June 20 release. An adaptation of the Spanish film Campeones (2018), RS Prasanna’s directorial venture revolves around Khan’s arrogant protagonist whose worldview changes when he starts training a group of differently-abled kids in basketball. Another insider shares, “Whoever has seen the trailer has found it heart-warming and funny. The team is confident that whenever it’s released, it will appeal to the audience.” The sentiment of putting the country first is being felt down South as well. Kamal Haasan decided to postpone Thug Life’s audio launch that was to be held on May 16. He issued a statement that read, “In view of the developments at our nation’s border and the current state of heightened alert, we have decided to reschedule the audio launch of Thug Life. As our soldiers stand firm on the frontlines with unflinching courage in defence of our motherland, I believe it is a time for quiet solidarity, not celebration. A new date will be announced at a later, more appropriate time.”
10 May,2025 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaFor a better time in the future mid-day on Friday, reported that singer Arijit Singh cancelled his Abu Dhabi concert amid the rising tension between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor (In solidarity, May 9). Now, several other musicians have cancelled or postponed their concerts due to the current geo-political situation in India. Usha Uthup’s live show in Mumbai, scheduled for May 10, has been postponed, with organisers citing “unforeseen and challenging circumstances”. They added, “Our team remains committed to bringing you more events shortly, under safer and more favourable conditions.” Shankar Mahadevan’s Delhi concert, Geet Govind, has also been postponed to a later date, with the singer writing, “We pray to Lord Krishna for your well-being and stand firmly in solidarity with our beloved nation.” However, Kailash Kher’s concert in Bengaluru will proceed as planned, while Papon’s show in Kanpur has been postponed. Kevin Hart’s Delhi concert also stands cancelled. New dates for the postponed concerts will be announced soon. Bring it on Saif Ali Khan (centre) with daughter Sara Ali Khan (right) and son Ibrahim Ali Khan (left) Saif Ali Khan has confirmed that his children, actors Ibrahim Ali Khan and Sara Ali Khan, are in the directorial debut of Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan’s The Ba****ds of Bollywood. Speaking at the recently concluded WAVES 2025, Saif said, “I have to say I saw a little bit of that show as well... My kids [Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan] have done a little appearance in it.” Aryan Khan We have also learnt that the show features an ensemble cast, including Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, and special cameos by Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos praised the show, saying, “We have a show called The Ba****ds of Bollywood coming up... it is so fun. I am four episodes in.” Earlier filmmaker Karan Johar too had lauded Aryan’s work ethic and encouraged audiences to “watch out” for the show. The show will drop on OTT in June. The case of a missing teaser (Clockwise) Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Bajwa, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Riteish Deshmukh The teaser of Akshay Kumar’s Housefull 5 has been removed from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Mofusion Studios. The teaser, which released on April 30 and has garnered millions of views, is no longer available on the video-sharing platform. An error message states, “The video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Mofusion Studios.” However, the teaser remains available on Instagram. Housefull 5 is scheduled to release in cinemas on June 6. ‘Sleepless and shattered’ Aly Goni Bigg Boss 14 fame Aly Goni recently expressed gratitude to the Indian Air Force and Indian Army for keeping his family safe amid the rising tension between India and Pakistan. Taking to social media, he shared family photos, writing, “Sleepless and shattered, stuck out of India as my family in Jammu endures last night’s [Wednesday] attack.” He added, “Thanks to our IAF and Indian Army, praying for safety and peace.” He criticised those who glorify war from the comfort of their homes, saying it’s not easy for those near the border. His family, including his parents, reportedly faced the terror of drones and unrest in Jammu. The saperaas are here Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol This Naag universe keeps getting bigger. Days after reports suggested that Ravi Kishan was signed to play a pivotal part in Kartik Aaryan-led Naagzilla (King Cobra in Naagzilla, May 7), there are rumours that either Anil Kapoor or Bobby Deol will soon be joining the fantasy comedy. The two names have come up for the negative character in the Mrighdeep Singh Lamba-directorial venture. The film, co-produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, will go on floors later this year, and arrive in cinemas in August 2026.
10 May,2025 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamADVERTISEMENT
