Javed Akhtar, the renowned screenwriter behind classic films such as “Zanjeer” and “Sholay,” had to face significant challenges before making his mark in the film industry. Recently, he opened up about his difficult journey, revealing that he was once homeless and jobless, experiencing hunger during his early days in the city.
Entertainment Desk, New Delhi. When Javed Akhtar arrived in Mumbai with aspirations of achieving greatness in the cinematic world, he was unaware of the arduous path that lay ahead. Lacking a place to stay, food to eat, and a job to sustain himself, Javed has recently shared reflections on his early struggles in the city.
Javed Akhtar first set foot in Mumbai approximately 61 years ago, with just a handful of rupees in his pocket. Despite facing immense adversities, he maintained an unwavering sense of optimism. He expressed deep gratitude for Mumbai, Maharashtra, and his homeland after enduring six decades of challenges and triumphs.
Javed Akhtar Reflects on His Challenging Beginnings
On Saturday, Javed Akhtar took to social media platform X to reminisce about his tough early days. He shared, “On October 4, 1964, a 19-year-old boy arrived at Bombay Central Station with merely 27 Naya Paisa in his pocket. I faced homelessness, hunger, and unemployment, yet when I reflect on my life as a whole, I realize how fortunate I have been. My heart overflows with gratitude for Mumbai, Maharashtra, my country, and everyone who has supported me along the way.”
On 4 October 1964, a 19-year-old boy landed at Bombay Central Station with 27 Naya Paisa in his pocket. He faced homelessness, starvation, and unemployment, but reflecting on it all, I believe life has been very kind to me. For this, I am immensely thankful …
– Javed Akhtar (@javedakhtarjadu) October 4, 2025
Javed Akhtar’s Remarkable Career Achievements
Those familiar with Javed Akhtar know him not only as a masterful screenwriter but also as a celebrated lyricist and poet. He formed a formidable partnership with Salim Khan, and together they crafted numerous cinematic masterpieces that not only made stars out of actors but also left a lasting legacy in the film industry.
Photo Credit – X
Javed Akhtar’s journey into the film industry began with Rajesh Khanna, who was among the first to acknowledge the talents of a screenplay writer in his film. This film, titled “Hathi Mere Saathi,” marked the beginning of a prolific career. Following this, the duo of Salim and Javed produced iconic films such as “Andaz,” “Sita Aur Geeta,” “Zanjeer,” “Deewaar,” and the evergreen classic “Sholay,” which changed the landscape of Hindi cinema forever.