Javed Akhtar, one of India’s most prolific writer-lyricists, has not only made a lasting impact on the world of cinema but also carved out a successful life for himself in the real estate market. The celebrated screenwriter, poet, and lyricist recently shared a fascinating glimpse into his personal history, revealing that he bought a 4,000-square-foot bungalow at Bandra Bandstand in Mumbai during the 1970s for just Rs 5 lakh—an investment he made with his hard-earned savings.
In an interview with Mid-Day, Akhtar humorously responded when asked if he was the first person in Mumbai to purchase a bungalow with just words. “I don’t know. I have no idea. I’ll have to go to everyone’s house to find out,” he laughed. However, he credited his contemporary, the legendary Gulzar, for building his own real estate empire through a successful career in poetry, screenwriting, and direction, noting that Gulzar’s star wife, actress Rakhee, also played a role in their success. Gulzar’s bungalow, Boskyana, located in Pali Hill, Bandra, is named after his daughter Meghna Gulzar, who has made a mark as a filmmaker.
Akhtar also reflected on the changing real estate trends in Mumbai, mentioning that bungalows were not as common in the city during the early days. He cited legendary lyricist and poet Sahir Ludhianvi as an example, noting that had Sahir desired, he too could have owned a bungalow. Akhtar explained how Sahir, instead, opted to build a structure in Juhu, opposite the Sun-N-Sand hotel, in exchange for the songs of a film. Land in those days was relatively inexpensive, and the building was constructed as remuneration for another film by Karim Bhai Nadiadwala.
Further touching on the topic of property ownership, Akhtar spoke of late actor Balraj Sahni, who had built a bungalow in exchange for his acting fee. “It’s in a bad condition. I feel very sad looking at it,” said Akhtar. Sahni, who was devastated by the loss of his daughter Shabnam, passed away in his bungalow in 1973.
Today, Akhtar is the proud owner of three properties in Maharashtra: the iconic Bandra Bandstand bungalow, a sea-facing bungalow in Juhu, and a farmhouse in Khandala. His journey through both real estate and the world of cinema is a testament to his success as one of the most significant figures in Indian entertainment history.
From his early days as part of the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed alongside Salim Khan, to his later work as a solo writer and lyricist, Akhtar has remained a dominant force in the industry. His contributions to films such as Zanjeer (1973), Sholay (1975), Deewaar (1975), Betaab (1983), and Mr. India (1987) continue to resonate with audiences. Today, his lyricism is still very much alive, with Akhtar continuing to pen songs for films, solidifying his place as a cinematic icon.
Akhtar’s journey serves as an inspiring tale of success, persistence, and the power of creativity.