Today is esteemed screenwriter & lyricist Javed Akhtar’s birthday! From his entertaining scripts to the beautiful  songs we can’t stop singing and of course his talented children Farhan & Zoya; Akhtar’s contribution to Bollywood has been tremendous. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular songs penned by Akhtar as a celebration.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha – 1942: A Love Story

The Salim-Javed writing duo in the 70s were responsible for some of the biggest hits in Indian cinema including Sholay, Deewar, Seeta aur Geeta, Don, Mr.India and others.

Ghar Se Nikalte Hi – Papa Kehte Hai

After Salim-Javed split in 1980 Akhtar attempted to write on his own but later decided to concentrate on writing lyrics instead.

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Sandese Aate Hain – Border

Akhtar hasn’t been a stranger to receiving awards over the years, he received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007.

Panchchi Nadiyaan – Refugee

Along with winning the National Award for the song Sandese Aate Hain from Border, Akhtar has won the Award a total five times throughout his career.

Radha Kaise Naa Jale – Lagaan

Akhtar has won a total of 14 Filmfare awards, 7 for Best Script and 7 for Best Lyrics!

Kal Ho Naa Ho – Kal Ho Naa Ho

Akhtar served as a judge on Indian Idol 4 alongside Anu Malik, Kailash Kher & Sonali Bendre, there’s no confirmation of his participation in the show this year.

Tere Liye – Veer-Zaara

At the 2005 Filmfare Awards Akhtar was the only person nominated in the category with 5 of his songs making the cut, eventually he was given the award for Tere Liye.

Jashn-E-Bahara – Jodhaa Akbar

Akhtar is currently the leading the fight to change the copyright laws to benefit the singers and lyricists. He’s even brought the issues of the gaps in Indian copyright laws to the attention of international copyright associations.

Iktara – Wake Up Sid

Over the years Akhtar has managed to relate to each generation’s youth in a way no other lyricist has; from Dil Chahta Hai to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara his lyrics never seem outdated.

Ik junoon (Paint it red) – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

@Javedakhtarjadu recently made the news because of his disappointment in the success of Why this Kolaveri Di evident on Twitter when he stated “KOLAVARI-D”. Every one is praising the robes but the emporer is naked. Tune ordinary, singing substandard words an insult to sensibility“.

Team MissMalini wishes Javedji a very Happy Birthday!