Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Urmila Matondkar and more at Javed Akhtar’s star-studded 80th birthday bash

On January 17, legendary lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar turned 80, marking a milestone in his illustrious career that spans over five decades. While Akhtar himself preferred a quiet celebration at his farmhouse with close family and friends, his wife, veteran actress Shabana Azmi, hosted a grand birthday bash for him, bringing together the biggest names in Bollywood.

The event was nothing short of a spectacle, with stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and Urmila Matondkar among many others gracing the occasion. Sharing her joy on Instagram, Urmila wrote, “An absolute epic day that it was… with some of the best talents our industry has!! Afternoon full of love, laughter, affection, admiration, and great camaraderie. Because it was a special birthday of someone very special to all us… ‘Jaadu’ in the real sense, as the entire nation is spellbound with his words for decades.”

She thanked Shabana Azmi for curating “awesome moments” that enriched her life, expressing her admiration for Javed Akhtar, whom she lovingly called “one and only Jaadu.”

Known for his poetic depth and humility, Javed Akhtar spoke candidly about turning 80 in an interview. “It is surely a milestone, but the road to it is the same. Ultimately, it’s just the planet rotating on its axis around the sun. We should not take it seriously,” he said to HT, downplaying the significance of birthdays with his characteristic wit.

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For Akhtar, the real gifts in life are his children, filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar and filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, whose achievements bring him immense pride. “The best gift I could have gotten is my children doing well in life. It becomes an emotionally and socially aesthetic situation when they achieve so much,” he said.

The birthday bash was a fitting tribute to a man who has shaped Indian cinema with his words, be it through poetry, lyrics, or screenwriting. Surrounded by friends, family, and admirers, Akhtar’s 80th birthday became a celebration of not just his years but also his indelible contributions to art and culture.