Javed Akhtar Reflects on Buying a ₹5 Lakh Bandra Bungalow in the ’70s and Sahir Ludhianvi’s Real Estate Remuneration

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently shared rare anecdotes about the Mumbai real estate journeys of iconic Indian film personalities, revealing how, in the 1970s, he himself purchased a 4,000 sq ft bungalow on Bandra Bandstand for just ₹5 lakh — all from his savings as a writer.

Akhtar and Gulzar: Poets with Prime Mumbai Bungalows

During a conversation with Mid-Day, Akhtar noted that he wasn’t the only one from his field to own a bungalow in Mumbai. He cited Gulzar, his contemporary and fellow lyricist, who also owns a well-known bungalow named Boskyana in Pali Hill, Bandra. Gulzar, he pointed out, had additional income from film direction and was married to the famous actor Rakhee Gulzar, adding another stream of success and support to the household.

Boskyana and Beyond

Akhtar explained that Boskyana was named after Meghna Gulzar, their daughter, whose nickname is Bosky. The conversation highlighted how a combination of creativity, timing, and financial prudence helped this circle of writers and artists secure enviable properties in Mumbai during a time when land prices were far more modest than today.

How Sahir Ludhianvi Was Paid in Land

Sharing another striking example, Akhtar recalled that the legendary poet Sahir Ludhianvi was once compensated in the form of land by filmmaker B.R. Chopra. The land was part of the payment for writing songs for a film. Ludhianvi later built a building named Parchhaiyan in Juhu, right opposite the Sun-n-Sand hotel, and occupied the upper two floors. The structure was constructed by Karim Bhai Nadiadwala as payment for another film project.

An Era When Creativity Bought Concrete

Akhtar mused that Ludhianvi could have built a bungalow had he wished, but opted otherwise — reflecting how land and construction were once accessible avenues for remuneration in Bollywood’s golden age.

The Story of Balraj Sahni’s Bungalow

Akhtar also brought up the case of acclaimed actor Balraj Sahni, who had reportedly built a bungalow in lieu of his acting fees. He mentioned that the property had since deteriorated and expressed sadness over its current condition. Sahni had suffered emotional setbacks, particularly after the tragic death of his daughter Shabnam. He himself passed away in 1973 due to cardiac arrest at age 59, within the walls of that very bungalow.

Akhtar’s Real Estate Today

As of now, Javed Akhtar is said to own three properties across Maharashtra — his historic Bandra Bandstand bungalow, a sea-facing bungalow in Juhu, and a farmhouse in Khandala. His journey through real estate mirrors his success as one half of the legendary Salim-Javed screenwriting duo.

Legacy of Salim-Javed and Solo Success

Akhtar, along with Salim Khan, was responsible for scripting cinematic milestones such as Zanjeer (1973), Sholay (1975), and Deewaar (1975) — films that redefined Indian cinema and established Amitabh Bachchan’s Angry Young Man persona. Post their split in the early 1980s, Akhtar continued to write successful films on his own, including Betaab (1983) and Mr. India (1987). His career as a lyricist began with Silsila (1980), and he remains active in the industry to this day.

News Disclaimer: This news piece is based on publicly available interviews and information. Property values, historical accounts, and statements mentioned reflect the context and sentiments of the individuals quoted and the era referred to.