Javed Akhtar
WritingAbout Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar (born 17 January 1945) is an Indian screenwriter, lyricist and poet. Known for his work in Hindi cinema, he has won five National Film Awards, and received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007, two of India's highest civilian honours. He is considered as one of the greatest screenwriters in the history of Hindi Cinema. 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 Deewaar and Sholay, both released in 1975; they earned a cult following, and had a significant impact in popular culture. He later earned praise for his work as a lyricist, winning the National Film Award for Best Lyrics five times and the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist eight times.
Javed Akhtar Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Javed Akhtar reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 13 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Javed Akhtar's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 23% of Javed Akhtar's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Manto, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Javed Akhtar Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Javed Akhtar's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Javed Akhtar has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Naam Tha Kanhaiyalal | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2022 | The Master: Shyam Benegal | Himself | Flop | Similar → |
| 2021 | India Shayari Project | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Bird of Dusk | (archival footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2018 | Manto | Abid Ali Abid | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Bareilly Ki Barfi | Narrator | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Hanuman Da Damdaar | Valmiki (voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2015 | Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2015 | Shamitabh | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | Jai Ho | self | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye | Judge 1 | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Luck by Chance | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Follow That Star - Amitabh Bachchan | - | Flop | Similar → |
Javed Akhtar - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Javed Akhtar?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Javed Akhtar is "Manto" with a rating of 7.4/10.
How many movies has Javed Akhtar acted in?
Javed Akhtar has been featured in at least 13 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Javed Akhtar?
Other notable films include "Bareilly Ki Barfi", "Luck by Chance", and "Shamitabh".