Happy Birthday Javed Akhtar!

New Delhi: Indian cinema's legendary writer, poet, lyricist—Javed Akhtar celebrates his birthday today. The veteran writer wrote scripts for many blockbuster Bollywood films, along with friend and colleague Salim Khan. The famous Salim-Javed duo ruled the celluloid screens from 1971 to 1982.

The golden era of Indian cinema saw the rise of legendary Javed saab ( as he is fondly called). The blessed writer has so far received as many as 13 Filmfare Awards and is even the recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award.

After the Salim-Javed decided to go separate ways, Javed started writing lyrics for films. It was 'Silsila' in 1981 for which he first wrote. He was even nominated to the Rajya Sabha on 16 November 2009. he first married Honey Irani with whom he has two children—Farhan and Zoya Akhtar.

Both Farhan and Zoya are successful filmmakers today. In fact, Farhan is credited with being the most talented of the younger generation directors. He is a multi-tasker—as he acts, directs and even sings. The poetry recited by him sister Zoya's 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' was written by Javed Akhtar and got him enough praise by the audiences.

After separating from Honey, Javed married veteran actress Shabana Azmi. Javed Akhtar's illustrious career can be seen as a sheer result of his hard work and struggle in the initial days. He imbibed the art of writing from his own father and succeeded in setting up new milestones for the younger crop of aspiring poets and writers to achieve.

He has received Filmfare Best Lyricist Award for as many as eight times. Here's wishing Javed 'saab' a very happy birthday!