Javed Akhtar opens up on his heartbreaking early struggles days without food, no shelter, yet never begged or gave up. Discover how the Bollywood legend turned pain into poetry and poverty into power.
“I Could’ve Died of Hunger”: Javed Akhtar’s Grit Fueled Rise from Streets to Stardom
Bollywood’s Playwright of Hits Exposes His Most Tormented Moments
Javed Akhtar is celebrated One of the man behind India’s most intense songs and screen play now a days, but behind all that fame there is a heartbreaking story.
In a touching interview with Mid day, the veteran lyricist narrates how he used to live on the streets of Mumbai, starving and homeless, but never let depression get to him.
When Hunger Was the Only Constant
On Javed Akhtar the man who would later go on to craft timeless blockbusters of Sholay and Deewaan,Tara Ke Dwar was the man who used to wish for food everyday as a luxury or shelter for his family far dream. I did not know where my next meal was going to come. He said I had only two dressers ,one on me, One at the laundry. Not days or even weeks. I did that for years.
Pride Stronger Than Pain
Having been pushed to near the brink, Akhtar never once asked anyone for help-not even when he had gone 4 days without eating (if that is even possible). At a place such as this Mumbai’s Mahim Dargah where many come for charity, he decided dignity over need. My body could have died from hunger right there. I couldn’t do the beggars thing though I knew my end was nigh. I thought so, he said.
Salim-Javed: The Powerhouse That Changed Cinema
That faith sure paid off. Akhtar worked with Salim Khan as illustrious Salim Javed duo. Nothing but gripping scripts brought Amitabh bachchan to megastar status and revolutionized story telling in Bollywood. Their peak period: a salary higher than the leading male actors, an accolade which is not so common in Indian cinema.
Lyrics Born from Life’s Harshest Lessons
Akhtar’s lyrics were not just lyrical but lived emotions. All from Lagaan & Border, to present tracks in Yudhra his poetry gives of a soul who has witnessed life at its most savage. With five National Awards under his belt he is still treated as a living inspiration to many.
The Story That Inspires Generations
Proving that faith, dignity and undeterred passion can change your fate is what Javed Akhtar has done from sleeping on the street to scripting film history. It is his life, not as a book or even a movie but as the silent echo of the true spirit of not quitting.