Javed Akhtar Becomes First Indian Writer to be Honored with Prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award

Javed Akhtar is not just a famous poet and lyricist; he is a voice that touches the deepest feelings inside us. His words stay with you long after you read or listen to them. As he beautifully writes, “You pass by like a train, I stand still like a station” a simple yet powerful way to express love and longing. Now, the legendary screenwriter, lyricist, and poet has added yet another feather to his cap: the prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award, conferred by the Russian House. This international honor celebrates his remarkable influence on cultural heritage and literary dialogue. This award is a reflection of Akhtar's significant contributions to Indian cinema and literature and his ability to transcend cultural boundaries.Why Javed Akhtar Deserves This AwardAkhtar's body of work is an example of his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. With iconic screenplays like "Sholay," "Zanjeer," and "Deewaar," he has cemented his position as one of the greatest screenwriters in Hindi cinema. His lyrical work in countless Hindi films has earned him numerous accolades, including five National Film Awards for Best Lyrics.Javed Akhtar has had a long and successful career, making him one of the most important figures in Indian cinema and literature. He is famous for writing beautiful and meaningful song lyrics, winning five National Film Awards for Best Lyrics. The Indian government recognized his amazing work by giving him two big honors—the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007. Besides movies, he is also a great poet. His Urdu poetry book Lava won the Sahitya Akademi Award, which is a very respected prize for writers in India. In 2020, he became the first Indian to get the Richard Dawkins Award for his strong support of science, reason, and critical thinking. Javed Akhtar’s words, whether in films or poems, continue to inspire and touch the hearts of many people.The Significance of the Dostoevsky Star AwardThe Dostoevsky Star Award is a prestigious honor named after Fyodor Dostoevsky, one of Russia’s greatest writers, known for his deep and thought-provoking novels. This award is given to people who have made an important impact in the world of culture and literature, not just in their own country but internationally as well.When Javed Akhtar received the Dostoevsky Star Award, it was a big moment that showed how far his influence has reached beyond just Indian cinema. It recognized him not only as a brilliant lyricist and poet but also as someone who builds bridges between different cultures. By honoring Akhtar, the award highlights his role as a cultural ambassador connecting India and Russia. This means he helps bring the two countries closer through art, literature, and shared values.In short, the Dostoevsky Star Award celebrates Akhtar’s global contributions and shows how his work relates to people across the world, making him an important figure not just in Bollywood or India, but in international culture and literature as well. At 80, Akhtar remains an inspiration to aspiring writers and poets, and this award is a fitting tribute to his remarkable career. As his wife, Shabana Azmi, aptly put it, "Another big honour for Javed Akhtar as he received the Dostoevsky Star Award!"