Mumbai recently witnessed a memorable celebration as celebrated lyricist Javed Akhtar turned 80. The grand occasion, hosted by his family, was a star-studded affair, bringing together some of the biggest names from the film industry. Zoya Akhtar, the renowned filmmaker, shared a glimpse of the celebrations with a heartwarming video on social media, in which her father, Javed Akhtar, was seen enjoying the company of Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, and Shankar Mahadevan, who performed the iconic title track of Dil Chahta Hai (2001).
Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, Dil Chahta Hai, remains a beloved film in Indian cinema, and the reunion of these talented individuals to celebrate the milestone was nothing short of special. The performance brought back memories of the film’s powerful impact on audiences, with the trio recreating the magic that the track brought to the screen over two decades ago.
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In her caption, Zoya Akhtar wished her father with a simple yet touching note: “Happy Birthday Pa.” She also extended her regards to Dil Chahta Hai co-stars Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna. While Akshaye was unable to attend the celebration, Saif, who is currently undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital.
The performance featured Aamir Khan and Shankar Mahadevan twinning in blue kurtas, while Farhan Akhtar looked dashing in a white kurta. Their camaraderie and enthusiasm while performing captured the essence of their long-standing friendship and collaboration in the film industry. The heartfelt tribute to Javed Akhtar reflected not only the respect they have for him as a mentor but also the emotional connection they share as part of the same creative circle.
The celebration saw an array of notable figures from the world of film and music, each sharing their own fond moments with Javed Akhtar.
Farah Khan Kunder also shared a delightful video from the party, showing her shaking a leg with the birthday legend, Javed Akhtar, to the beats of his iconic 1998 track Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam, which became a memorable anthem in Indian cinema.
The event was attended by several other prominent personalities, including Javed Akhtar’s wife, veteran actress Shabana Azmi, along with Tanvi Azmi, Sonu Nigam, Amitabh Bachchan, Divya Dutta, Vidya Balan, Urmila Matondkar, and many other beloved celebrities. Their presence added to the joy and significance of the occasion, making it a truly unforgettable birthday celebration.