Javed Akhtar recalls struggle in Bombay with 20 paisa left: ‘I went 3 days without food’

Javed Akhtar arrived in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1964, armed with just 27 naya paisa. He spent six years battling to establish himself in the film industry, surviving on ghost-writing and occasional jobs. He had a clear plan to assist either Raj Kapoor or Guru Dutt, but neither opportunity materialized. Guru Dutt passed away shortly after his arrival, and he missed Raj Kapoor's studio by five years.

Javed often went hungry for days and feared for his next meal, yet he never considered ending his life. He had no backup plan and never entertained thoughts of sitting outside for food. Despite the hardships, Javed never lost faith in his success, even recalling a time when he chose chana over a bus fare due to his dwindling finances.

This decision, he later saw as a stroke of luck that ultimately led to his breakthrough in the film industry.