Award-winning Indian poet, lyricist, and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar has been awarded the esteemed Dostoevsky Star Award by the Russian House for his extraordinary work towards global literature and creating cross-cultural bonds. His wife, the acclaimed actress Shabana Azmi, accepted the award on his behalf, expressing her warm feelings in an Instagram post.
A Celebration of Cross-Cultural Influence
This award, titled after the great Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, recognizes individuals whose contributions in writing and ideas have made a notable difference across the world. The award ceremony attracted diplomats, artists, and authors from different nations, all of whom were gathered to pay tribute to Akhtar’s talent for bridging cultural chasms with his commanding words.
Azmi shared event photos, saying, “Another great privilege for #JavedAkhtar as he accepts the Star Dostoyevski Award! The Russian House is deeply honored to give this award in appreciation of his remarkable impact on cultural exchange and literary heritage.”
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A Legacy of Words and Thought
Javed Akhtar is a giant of Indian literature and cinema. His poetic songs, immortal Bollywood melodies, and powerful screenplays have helped shape India’s literary and cultural heritage. A member of the iconic writing team Salim–Javed, he co-wrote the classics such as Sholay and Deewaar that set one generation of Indian cinema on its path.
Aside from his work in cinema, Akhtar is an outspoken supporter of secularism, free speech, and human rights. His awards include the Padma Shri (1999), Padma Bhushan (2007), the Sahitya Akademi Award (2013) for his collection of Urdu poetry entitled Lava, and the Richard Dawkins Award (2020) for supporting rationalism and humanism.
This award from Russia cements his place as a literary icon on the international level, inspiring individuals of all cultures with his voice.
