Javed Akhtar is a scriptwriter, lyricist and poet, whose lineage can be traced back to seven generations of renowned Urdu writers, poets and freedom fighters. A respected social commentator and activist admired for his secular, liberal and progressive values, Akhtar has written a large number of poems against communalism, social injustice, national integration and for women’s rights. He has received five national awards from the Indian government as well as 15 Filmfare Awards. Akhtar has also been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India and is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India. His publications include his first poetry collection Tarskash, which has been translated into English, French and a range of Indian regional languages. According to a recent survey done by a publisher’s organisation, it is the most sold book of verses in the last 60 years in India. His other books Talking Films and Talking Songs are hailed as some of the most definitive works on Indian cinema.