Legendary screenwriter, lyricist, and poet Javed Akhtar marked his 79th birthday on Wednesday, reflecting on a prolific career that spans over four decades. Known for his soul-stirring and meaningful lyrics, Javed Akhtar has also surprised audiences with his lighter side, penning fun and groovy songs that became chart-toppers.
Javed Akhtar, the recipient of numerous awards, including National Film Awards, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan (2007), has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry. His iconic contributions include timeless classics like “Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum” and “Dekha Ek Khwab” (Silsila), “Tum Ko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya” (Saath Saath), “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha” (1942: A Love Story), “Ghar Se Nikalte” (Papa Kehte Hai), “Sandese Aate Hai” (Border), “Panchchi Nadiyaan” (Refugee), and “Radha Kaise Naa Jale” (Lagaan).
However, on his 79th birthday, let’s take a lighthearted turn and explore seven of Javed Akhtar’s most unserious yet immensely popular songs that captivated audiences:
•Dard-E-Disco (Om Shanti Om, 2007):
Lyrics snippet: “Ranjish ka chala tha… fuwwara/ Phoota jo khwaab ka… gubbara/To phirta hoon mein London, Paris, New York, LA, Sans Francisco.”
•Khaike Paan Banaras Wala (Don, 1978):
Lyrics snippet: “Ek kanya kunwari/Hamri surat pe mar gayi/Haaye haaye haaye/Ek meethi qatari/ Hamre dil mein utar gayi/Haaye haaye/ Kaisi gori gori/Woh teekhi teekhi chhori wah wah.”
•Senorita (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, 2011):
Lyrics snippet: “Chahat ke do pal bhi, mil paaye/Duniya mein yeh bhi kum hai kya/ Do pal ko toh aao kho jaaye/ Bhoole hum hota/ Gumm hai kya senorita/ Suno suno senorita/ Kehte hain hum kya/ Jo bhi pal beeta/ Hey senorita/ Har pal tumne hai dil jeeta/ Bus itni si toh baat hai.”
•Pichle Saath Dinon Mein (Rock On, 2008):
Lyrics snippet: “Present milli ek ghadi/ Pyaari thi mujhe badi/ Mary jane ka ek packet/ Meri denim ki jacket/ Do one day match ke passes/ Mere naye naye sunglasses/Pichhle saath dinon mein maine khoya/ Kabhi khud pe hasaa main aur kabhi khud pe roya.”
•Rock N Roll (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, 2006):
Lyrics snippet: “Ye Lachkile Se Tan/Ye Balkhate Badan/ Pehle Dil Hai Maangte/ Phir Maangte Hai Jaan/ Ye Rangeen Bijliyaan/ Ye Jaadu Garniyan/ Dekhin Hai Sau Baar Par Hoon Aaj Bhi Hairan.”
•It’s the Time to Disco (Kal Ho Naa Ho, 2003):
Lyrics snippet: “Josh mein naachti rangeen shaam hai/ Bin piye jhoomta haisama/ Hosh ka ab yahan bolo kya kaam hai/ Tez hai dhadkane dil javan/Yuh hi reh hai theek hai na/ Aur hai kehna to khul ke kaho.”
•Va Va Voom (The Archies, 2023):
Lyrics snippet: “Use friend kahun ya girlfriend kahun/ Ab jo bhi hai kehne ka trend kahun/ Jo bhi dil mein hai kahun ya chupp rahun/ Maine aaj tak hai na jaana.”
As we celebrate the 79th birthday of this maestro, it’s a reminder that Javed Akhtar’s genius transcends genres, delivering both profound and light-hearted musical gems that continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
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