Javed Akhtar

Javed Akhtar is an Indian poet, lyricist, screenwriter and political activist. Known for his work in Hindi cinema, he has won five National Film Awards. Akhtar came to recognition in the duo Salim–Javed, and earned his breakthrough as a screenwriter with 1973's Zanjeer. He went on to write the films Deewar and Sholay, both released in 1975. Akhtar notably campaigned for the Communist Party of India in the 2019 Indian general election, and was a member of parliament in Rajya Sabha.