Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar’s journey in Hindi cinema did not begin with a red carpet or a guaranteed break. When the veteran writer arrived in Mumbai in 1964, he was just 19 and had his sights set on becoming a filmmaker. What followed was nearly six years of uncertainty, odd writing assignments and days when even his next meal was uncertain. Yet, through it all, Akhtar said he never considered giving up on his dream.

Javed Akhtar recalls struggle in Mumbai

Speaking on Let’s Talk with Devna G, Akhtar recalled that he had already decided while he was in college that Bombay would be his destination after graduation. His plan was simple, assist either Raj Kapoor or Guru Dutt and learn filmmaking from the masters.