Javed Akhtar is celebrating his 80th birthday today. Known for his work in Hindi cinema, the screenwriter has won five National Film Awards. He is also a recipient of the Padma Shri (1999) and the Padma Bhushan (2007).
While Javed Akhtar has been credited with writing films like Lakshya and Don 2, his most successful projects were written in collaboration with screenwriter Salim Khan. Popularly known as Salim-Javed, the duo scripted many commercially and critically acclaimed films, such as Zanjeer, Deewaar and Sholay. Let us take a look at the blockbuster films written by Javed Akhtar.
1. Lakshya – Netflix
The film revolves around Hrithik Roshan‘s character Karan, who joins the Indian Army on a whim but backs out when he finds a soldier’s life difficult. When this creates conflict with his girlfriend, he rejoins to make her proud.
2. Don franchise – Zee5
It would not be an exaggeration to call Don one of Amitabh Bachchan‘s most iconic films. The franchise was later revived by Javed Akhtar’s son, Farhan Akhtar, in 2006, with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.
3. Mr India – Zee5
Do not call yourself a cinephile if you can’t recall Amrish Puri saying, “Mogambo khush hua.” Anil Kapoor and Sridevi’s stellar chemistry worked like the cherry on the cake.
4. Sholay – Prime Video
One of the greatest movies of Indian cinema has it all. Friendship vibes with Jai and Veeru? Check. Basanti’s magical presence? Check. Timeless music? Check. The project is worth watching over and over.
5. Deewaar – Youtube
The film’s classic dialogues and the temple sequence make it a must-watch. Deewaar features Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Neetu Singh and Parveen Babi in key roles.
6. Zanjeer – Zee5
It is the movie that solidified Amitabh Bachchan’s “angry young man” persona. Directed by Prakash Mehra, the action thriller also features Jaya Bachchan and Pran in key roles.
7. Kaala Patthar – Prime Video
When Big B said, “Aadmi Himalaya ki choti se girke uth sakta hai … lekin ek baar khud apni nazron se gir jaye toh phir woh girta hi chala jaata hai,” we all clapped. Based on the Chasnala mining disaster, the film narrates the story of three men who stand up to fight for the coal miners.
8. Arjun – Disney+ Hotstar
Arjun established Sunny Deol as a formidable action hero. The film was directed by Rahul Rawail and produced by Karim Morani and Sunil Soorma.
9. Kranti – Zee5
The star-studded project features Dilip Kumar, Manoj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Hema Malini and Parveen Babi. The film marked Dilip Kumar’s return to acting after a four-year hiatus.
10. Dostana – Netflix
The Raj Khosla directorial was one of the biggest hits of 1980. It was remade in Tamil under the title Sattam.
Which one of these movies is your favourite?
