Lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has received the prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award from the Russian House. He was chosen for the honour in recognition of his remarkable influence on cultural heritage and literary dialogue. The honour, which bears the name of the renowned Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky, honours those who have had a major influence on literature and philosophy.
Russian House praised Javed Akhtar’s work for bringing people and ideas together across cultures.
Actor Shabana Azmi took to her Instagram account to share the news. The caption read,
“Another big honour for Javed Akhtar as he received the Dostoevsky Star Award! This year, the Russian House is deeply honoured to award the renowned poet, lyricist and public intellectual Mr Javed Akhtar, in recognition of his remarkable influence on cultural dialogue and literary heritage.”
Honoured, Respected, Remembered
Javed Akhtar (born 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 the only Indian to have received the Richard Dawkins Award, which he was honoured with in 2020.
Akhtar came to recognition in the duo Salim–Javed, and earned his breakthrough as a screenwriter with 1973’s Zanjeer. He is considered as one of the greatest screenwriters in the history of Hindi Cinema. 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.
Salim-Javed, many a time described as “the most successful scriptwriters of all-time”, are also noted to be the first scriptwriters in Indian cinema to achieve star status. They have worked together in 24 films including two Kannada films – Premada Kanike and Raja Nanna Raja.
Their first big success was the script for Andaz (1971), followed by Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) and Seeta Aur Geeta (1972). They also had hits with Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Zanjeer (1973), Haath Ki Safai (1974), Deewaar (1975), Sholay (1975), Chacha Bhatija (1977), Don (1978), Trishul (1978), Dostana (1980), Kranti (1981), Zamana (1985) and Mr. India (1987).
This honour highlights Javed Akhtar’s legacy as a global champion of the power of words and ideas as well as a literary force in India.
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