Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar is taking fans back to his earliest days in Bombay. He recently opened up about the grueling six-year struggle he faced before achieving industry success.
Speaking candidly in an exclusive interview, Akhtar shared that he arrived in the city in 1964 at just 19 years old. He reportedly carried only 27 paise in his pocket when he first stepped foot into the bustling metropolis.
The celebrated artist originally moved with a clear goal to assist legendary filmmakers like Raj Kapoor or Guru Dutt. However, harsh reality quickly set in when Guru Dutt passed away just days after his arrival.
He admitted that it took nearly five years of living in the city before he even caught a glimpse of the iconic RK Studio. To survive the brutal financial hardships, he relied on odd jobs and ghostwriting assignments.
Those difficult foundational years ultimately shaped his legendary resilience and unmatched creative voice. Today, Akhtar stands tall as one of India’s most celebrated and influential cultural icons.