5 Popular Bollywood Movies You Won’t Believe Were Written By Javed Akhtar!

For the cinema crazy Indian audience that didn’t shy away from idolizing movie actors, it was kind of strange when a writing duo became cinematic stars. When all A-listers, popular filmmakers and big banners couldn’t guarantee the success of a film, two names registered themselves as a mark of stamp to take the film through. The names were Salim Khan & Javed Akhtar, popularly known as Salim-Javed back in the day.

While we believe them to have scripted some of the most iconic movies in the country, not many would know that both also functioned as independent writers on a lot of occasions. While Salim Khan couldn’t really carry forward the same successful momentum alone, Javed Sahab did pen down some scripts that later became blockbusters.

In a journey where he wrote close to 15 films alone, we pick the 5 most striking movies you didn’t know were written by Javed Akhtar:

Betaab

The iconic debut of Sunny Deol alongside Amrita Singh was one of the most sensational ones in the 80’s. Directed by Rahul Rawail, this 1983 film was a blockbuster in all respects and introduced us to two actors who were later going to become stars. Not many know that this film was scripted by Javed Akhtar for which he even won the filmfare nomination for Best Story.

Mashaal

Remember the classic cult “Ae Bhai” scene where a helpless Dilip Kumar sent a chill down our spine with his powerful performance struck by tragedy? Of course no one but Javed Akhtar could have written it. Mashaal directed by Yash Chopra was also one of the most impactful movies in the 80’s also starring Anil Kapoor. The film was a further validation of the point that Javed Akhtar could write good scripts functioning individually as well.

Arjun

The combination of Sunny Deol, Rahul Rawail and Javed Akhtar once again spilled magic with this social action drama in 1985. Javed Akhtar was once again nominated in the category of Best Story at filmfare.

Meri Jung

One of the most noticed films of the decade, Meri Jung directed by Subhash Ghai was an Anil Kapoor show. However, the strong script written by Javed Akhtar complimented it in a big way. Besides winning two filmfare awards, the film was also nominated in a lot of filmfare categories including Best Film.

Main Aazaad Hoon

While many would not have heard of this political drama starring Amitabh Bachchan and Shabana Azmi, the heavy loaded drama is one of the finest films Big B has been a part of. While its offbeat treatment without quite catering to the masses didn’t really make it a blockbuster, the film over the years registered itself as quite a cult. Javed Akhtar also won the Filmfare award for Best Dialogues.

Also Read: 9 Lines By Piyush Mishra That Will Stir Your Soul!

Of course Salim-Javed are not merely names but a symbol of what defined the cinemas of the 70’s, but Javed Akhtar as himself was quite a writer too. His work speaks for himself! He is the only one who has lasted this long.