Mumbai, October 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Veteran screenwriter, lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar has emphasised the importance of combining science and technology with the liberal arts, saying that knowledge of history, literature, poetry and painting is essential for a well-rounded individual.
Speaking to IANS, Akhtar said science and technology were vital to human progress, but an understanding of the arts helped distinguish human beings from computers and robots.
“Science and technology are a very important thing. But it is also important to have some awareness of the liberal arts. This is the difference between a human being and a computer or a robot,” he said.
Akhtar stressed that people should not restrict their knowledge to their own professional or academic fields. He said students and professionals pursuing the liberal arts should also develop a basic understanding of science and technology.
Similarly, he noted that people from scientific backgrounds should familiarise themselves with history, literature, poetry, painting and folk arts.
“These watertight compartments are not right,” Akhtar said, arguing that a broader understanding of different disciplines was important.
Known for his contributions to Indian cinema and literature, Akhtar first rose to prominence as one half of the celebrated screenwriting duo Salim–Javed, alongside Salim Khan. The partnership helped shape Hindi cinema with landmark films such as Zanjeer (1973), Deewaar (1975), Sholay (1975) and Mr. India (1987).
He later established himself as one of Hindi cinema’s prominent lyricists, writing songs for films including Silsila, 1942: A Love Story, Border, Refugee and Lagaan.
Beyond cinema, Akhtar is also a recognised Urdu poet. His poetry collection Tarkash is among his acclaimed literary works.
His contributions to Indian cinema and literature have earned him numerous honours, including five National Film Awards, the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007.
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