Javed Akhtar is one of Bollywood’s most esteemed screenwriters, having gained fame since the 1970s. In a recent discussion, the literary icon expressed that he views the 1980s as the darkest period in Hindi cinema due to the emergence of many double-meaning songs. As a result, he wrote only one song for Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, which became the film’s title. Subsequently, he chose to avoid writing absurd or suggestive lyrics in line with his ethical beliefs, although he now regrets not being more involved in the film.
In a recent appearance on Sapan Verma’s YouTube channel, “Chill Sesh,” Javed Akhtar reflected on that phase of his career. The legendary screenwriter, renowned as one of Bollywood’s top lyricists, elaborated on the situation. He had collaborated with Salim Khan in the 1970s, writing several successful films from that era, including Sholay, Don, Zanjeer, and Deewar. The duo parted ways in 1982.
Akhtar described the 1980s as a bleak time for Bollywood writing, noting the rise of absurd and vulgar songs. Staying true to his principles, he decided to distance himself from such projects. He stated, “I consider the ’80s to be the darkest time for Hindi cinema. People were either writing double-meaning songs or songs with no meaning at all. I avoided films that had any lyrics I found absurd or vulgar.”
When Javed Akhtar wrote the song “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” for Karan Johar’s film, Johar chose to title the film after it. However, Akhtar declined to contribute further, viewing it as one of those nonsensical films that clashed with his values at the time. He candidly admitted, “This principle led me to turn down a very successful film—Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. I had written the first song, but when Karan decided on the title, I refused to work on a film with that name. I thought, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai… kya hota hai? I regret it now, but back then, I refused.”
Despite this initial hesitance, Javed Akhtar later collaborated with Karan Johar on the 2003 film Kal Ho Naa Ho. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, became a massive critical and commercial success, and Kal Ho Naa Ho also became one of the most memorable films in Bollywood history.
