Javed Akhtar completes 50 years in film industry, Shabana Azmi happy

As noted lyricist, poet, screenwriter Javed Akhtar clocked 50 years in the film industry on Friday, his wife veteran actress Shabana Azmi says she looks at his incredible journey with respect.

Akhtar, 69, arrived in Mumbai in 1964. He struggled to get work in the film industry and finally got his break with 1969 film Dharmendra-starrer 'Yakeen' in which he contributed with the dialogues.

"50 years ago Javed Akhtar came to Bombay to pursue career in films- slept on the streets no food for days only talent and determination. Respect," Shabana, 64, posted on Twitter.

Some of Akhtar's most successful work was with Salim Khan. Credited as Salim-Javed, they delivered some of the biggest hits in Hindi cinema like 'Zanjeer', 'Deewar', 'Sholay', 'Haathi Mere Saathi', 'Seeta Aur Geeta' and 'Trishul' between 1971 to 1982.

Akhtar is a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award and has also won 13 Filmfare Awards.