Javed Akhtar to be conferred with Honorary Doctorate by SOAS University of London – Times of India

Writer, lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar is going to be conferred with an honorary doctorate by the SOAS University of London. He is going to be conferred with a Doctor of Literature (DLit) (honoris causa) in recognition of his significant contribution as a poet, lyricist, screenwriter and political activist.

The ceremony for the same is expected to take place in September later this year with the probable dates being 5, 6 or 7. As per a statememt from SOAS Univeristy the Honorary Doctorates are given to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to scholarship, or public life, in areas which are relevant to the School’s mission.

Javed Akhtar’s collaboration with fellow screenwriter Salim Khan under the partnership Salim-Javed gave Indian cinema classics like Zanjeer, Deewar, Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta and many more.

Once he ended his creative partnership with Salim Khan, Akhtar went on to make a strong and independent career as a lyricist. It got him many National and International honours like the National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards, too. He has also been conferred with Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibushan by the Indian government, two of the highest civilian awards in the country.

The Honorary Doctorate from SOAS University will be another distinguished honour in Akhtar’s long and prolific career.