Today marks the 81st birthday of a figure who has redefined the role of a writer in Indian cinema. Javed Akhtar, the legendary poet and screenwriter, who currently leads the industry as its most expensive lyricist was born on December 17, 1945.
According to reports from Bollywood Hungama and trade analyst Komal Nahta, Akhtar earns a record-breaking Rs 25 lakh per song. This figure gained widespread attention following his work on the song Nikle The Kabhi Hum Ghar Se for the film Dunki.
Revolutionising the industry
Akhtar has been vocal about how he achieved this top-earning status. He revealed at a public event that he usually avoids writing single tracks for movies – preferring to write the entire album, or work on a project only if he feels a strong connection to the story. When director Rajkumar Hirani approached him for a solo song, Akhtar placed unreasonable financial and credit demands to discourage the offer. To his surprise, the filmmaker agreed immediately, setting a new market benchmark. According to DNA India, this fee helped him surpass other veterans like Gulzar, who reportedly earns about Rs 20 lakh per song.
Beyond the upfront paycheck, his earnings are heavily boosted by his fight for the Copyright (Amendment) Act. This law ensures that creators receive 50% of the royalties generated by their work. As a result, his income grows every time his past hits are played on digital platforms or radio. On his birthday today, industry colleagues have cheered on his role in launching Goongoonalo, an artist-owned music app designed to give creators more control over their earnings and creative freedom as per a report from ANI.
An upward career trajectory
His high market value is a direct result of his multi-decade presence in the industry. Starting as a screenwriter earning just Rs 50 for his early work, he eventually formed the iconic Salim-Javed duo that wrote blockbusters like Sholay and Deewar. After transitioning to songwriting, he won five National Film Awards, cementing his reputation. Lifestyle Asia reports that his net worth is estimated at over Rs 200 crore, a figure built through film fees, royalties, and real estate investments in Mumbai.
Akhtar maintains strict terms for his work, often requiring his name to appear in the opening credits for the same duration as the director. This insistence on respect and fair pay has changed how the industry treats writers. While younger hit-makers like Amitabh Bhattacharya earn between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 10 lakh per song, Akhtar remains the primary choice for big-budget projects that require a specific brand of literary depth.