An intimate, freewheeling conversation with one of India’s most celebrated poets and lyricists.
Talking Life brings together Javed Akhtar and documentary filmmaker Nasreen Munni Kabir in a wide-ranging dialogue that reveals the personal, professional and creative worlds of a man whose work continues to inspire millions. Akhtar speaks openly about his early years in Lucknow, his difficult beginnings in 1960s Bombay, the milestones of his iconic film career, and the emotional and artistic battles that shaped his journey.
From friendships and collaborations to heartbreaks, self-reflection and his determined fight for the rights of lyricists and composers, this book offers rare insights into the many layers of a remarkable life. Rich with stories and anecdotes from the history of Hindi cinema, it is an engaging, candid and deeply human read.
Javed Akhtar is one of India’s most influential screenwriters, poets and lyricists. Known for co-writing iconic Hindi films such as Zanjeer, Deewar and Sholay, he has won numerous awards for his work across cinema and literature. His poetry has been published widely in Urdu and translated into many languages. A celebrated public speaker and cultural commentator, he remains one of the most beloved voices in Indian arts and letters.
Nasreen Munni Kabir is an acclaimed filmmaker, author and archivist of Hindi cinema. She has created over a hundred documentaries, written more than twenty books, and subtitled over 800 Hindi films. A pioneer in bringing Indian cinema to global audiences, she continues to curate Channel 4’s Indian film season and has played a vital role in documenting Bollywood history for more than four decades.