Javed Akhtar Reflects on Father Jaan Nisar Akhtar’s Legacy and Their Complex Relationship

Javed Akhtar discussed his father, Jaan Nisar Akhtar, a celebrated lyricist known for his memorable Hindi film songs, on his death anniversary. He recalled his father’s distinctive style, which prioritized simple, relatable language over complex vocabulary. Akhtar highlighted his father’s reluctance to engage in self-promotion within the film industry, a trait stemming from his adherence to traditional values of humility and self-respect. The relationship between father and son experienced troubled times, marked by political challenges that led to separation and estrangement. Later, a bond developed through poetry, with Jaan Nisar recognizing and encouraging Javed’s poetic talent. Akhtar emphasized his father’s role in making Urdu accessible to the common man, avoiding the influence of Arabic and Persian words to maintain a distinctly Indian style. He inherited a clarity of expression from his father, which he considers a blessing, and is now working on publishing his father’s poems, highlighting his versatility and profound craft.