Javed Akhtar Recalls When Assistant Directors Were Treated Like Errand Boys

Javed Akhtar is 80 years old and has spent his entire lifetime in the world of cinema. At times he has been a lyricist and at times a writer for films. But very few people know that he was an assistant director.

Recently, Javed Akhtar has exposed a truth about the glamour world. He has spoken about the treatment of assistant directors in earlier days.

Javed Akhtar attended the 19th Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) on Thursday. He shared his views on several matters, including the issue of secularism. Javed Akhtar also talked about the changing times. He stated that times are changing and times bring experiences, some of which are good and some are bad. He gave an example of the film industry.

Javed Akhtar shared an anecdote from a time when assistant directors were not given much respect or attention. He said, "Today, things are much more organized in the film industry. I remember when I was an assistant director, the position was completely disrespected. What was our job? 'Bring madam's shoes quickly.' 'Where is the hero's coat?' That was our life. Today's assistants call stars by their first names. I get scared when I see them. Assistant directors calling heroes by their first names—we could never have imagined this."

Javed Akhtar gained recognition for his writing. Javed Akhtar, along with Salim Khan, wrote the story of many great films which include blockbuster films like Andaz, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Haathi Mere Saathi, Zanjeer, Deewar, Sholay, Kranti and Mr. India.