Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently opened up about his challenging early days in Mumbai and the subsequent industry boycott he faced. In an emotional interview, Akhtar revealed that during his initial years in the city, he experienced severe financial hardships, often going without food for days. He recounted moments when he had no place to stay, sleeping in parks and on benches, and wearing torn clothes. Despite these adversities, he never considered suicide, stating that he had a strong sense of self-worth and resilience.
Akhtar also discussed the industry’s reaction to his advocacy for the Copyright Amendment Act of 2012, which aimed to secure fair revenue sharing for lyricists and composers. He claimed that producers boycotted him as a result of his efforts, but he remained unfazed, emphasizing that he had faced worse challenges in his early days. He expressed that such boycotts were inconsequential to him, as he had already experienced the harsh realities of the industry.
Reflecting on his journey, Akhtar expressed gratitude for his current success, acknowledging that many others who suffered similarly did not receive the recognition he did. He emphasized that his past struggles shaped his character and fueled his determination to succeed. Despite the industry’s attempts to sideline him, Akhtar’s legacy as a prominent figure in Indian cinema remains unshaken.