EXCLUSIVE: Javed Akhtar recalls getting disappointed when he won no awards for Rock On; says, “No one appreciated that”

Legendary songwriter Javed Akhtar is a renowned lyricist who has penned some soul-stirring songs. He has written songs for Don, Zanjeer, Sholay, Main Hoon Na, and many more. He even won several accolades for his impeccable work. During a candid chat with Arbaaz Khan in the latest uncut version of The Invincibles in Bollywood Bubble, Javed Akhtar recalled when he didn’t receive any awards for writing songs for Farhan Akhtar starrer Rock On. In the interview, the lyricist revealed that no one appreciated the work even though it was difficult to do so.

Javed Akhtar reveals being upset about getting an award for Rock On

“Ek saal meri two filmein gaane ki release hui thi – ek thi Jodhaa Akbar aur ek thi Rock On. National award to Emmy award, mujhe saare awards Jodhaa Akbar ke liye miley. Rock On ke gaane bohot popular huye but mujhe ek award nahi mila. Mera aisa khayal tha as a writer ki Jodhaa Akbar ke gaane likhna aasan hai, kitne saare logon ne aise gaane likhe hi hai jaise ki ‘Jahan Ara’, Mughal-E-Azam, Chaudhvin Ka Chand hai. Par ye jo gaane hai kabhi nahi likhe gaye hai.”

(Jodhaa Akbar and Rock On movies were released in the same year. From National Awards to Emmy Awards, every award was given to Jodhaa Akhbar for their songs but none was given to me for Rock On despite being popular. As a writer, I feel it was easy to pen down the lyrics of Jodhaa Akhbar songs as a lot of people have written them, including songs like ‘Jahan Ara’, ‘Mughal-E-Azam’, ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand’. But such lyrics in Rock On were not written before.)

Javed Akhtar says it was difficult to do Rock On songs

English words Johnny Walker aur Mehmood ke gaanon mein hote the. Agar English words ka usage ho aur lage ki ye gaana kisi band ka hai, ye comedy nahi hai. Ye log hai jo film ke nahi hai unka gaana hai. (English words were used in Johnny Walker and Mehmood songs. In fact, the usage of English words was considered for a group or a band, it was not a joke. Those songs were not considered film songs.) That (writing Rock On song lyrics) is more difficult to do but no one appreciated that. It became a hit but connoisseurs had no word of praise for it. Similarly, connoisseurs didn’t have any praise for Don which was exceptional.“

Watch the full interview here

Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Javed Akhtar on his fallout with Salim Khan: I do not feel sorry because it ended in a special place