Javed Akhtar, Bollywood’s iconic screenplay writer and lyricist, turns 71 today. In his illustrious career spanning more than four decades, he has inspired everyone with his magical poems. Nowadays in films, his melodious songs are modified and used as per the situation.
Having grown up in the 1990s and early 2000s, I mostly knew Javed sahab as a lyricist. Thanks to opening credits in films which had his name written in bold letters, I can play his songs from films like 1942: A Love Story, Refugee, Veer Zaara in a loop. You may disagree with me, but I am appalled with the quality of songs written these days. They may top the charts and are admired by the millennials, but they are no match to the ones penned by Akhtar. To put forward my case, I am narrating a simple story on how his songs can be used in real-life situations.
Love at first sight: For someone like me who is romantic at heart, there are chances that a pretty woman will catch my attention at the first sight. It is a common phenomenon that if you will discuss the sweet incident before your friends. Now, with music playing in the background, I will not sing to the song Ladki Beautiful Kar Gayi Chull. While this one might sound cool to the millennials, my choice of lyrics is entirely different. In that case, this classic from 1942: A Love Story makes more sense. Composed by legendary RD Burman, every single word of this song penned by Akhtar aptly describes the beauty of the woman in question.
A lot can happen over a cup of coffee: After initial hesitation, I manage to ask her out for a cup of coffee. If she doesn’t, it’s your bad luck. But if she says yes, you should not spoil it. Now, it will be entirely stupid to croon a song like Aaj Raat Ka Scene song from the film Jazbaa, as it would make matters worse. Why not make her feel special by singing something like this from Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Om Shanti Om.
It’s a yes from her: After an arduous campaign sometimes running into months, she accepts my proposal. Even if I had expressed my feelings for her 5 years ago, it’s better late than never. In such a situation, singing the song Gandi Baat from Shahid Kapoor-starrer R..Rajkumar is not at all cool. Instead of this, why not sing this melodious song from Academy Award-nominated film Lagaan? The lyrics of this song penned by Javed Akhtar is so meaningful.
I wanna grow old with you: After endless songs, PDA moments and blah, blah, the big question arrives. What next? Quoting Deepika Padukone from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, “Shaadi means Dal Chawal for 50 years”, It’s the time for a major decision. More than my keenness to marry her, acceptance from the other side matters the most. Now, there is no such song in present times which comes to my mind for such situation. So, the only one number apt for this is from Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chalte Chalte. The lyrics of the song are so convincing that, I mean, you just listen to it.
What if she says no: Getting a yes or no from your love interest is entirely her choice which should be respected. If she says yes, cool enough. But if it’s a no, it’s your bad luck. Although it is advisable that you move on, but nobody snatches the right from you to express how heartbroken you are. This heartrending song penned by the iconic lyricist sums up the emotion.
Thank you Javed saab for these beautiful songs. May Almighty keep you in good spirits!
