Bollywood showers praises on veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar, who has become the first Indian to win Richard Dawkins Award 2020 for critical thinking, advancing human progress and humanist values.
The award, which is named after English evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, has been presented since 2003.
Veteran actor Anil Kapoor took to his social media and praised Javed Akhtar and wished him on his remarkable achievement. He wrote, “Knowing that Richard Dawkins has been your hero since you read ‘The Selfish Gene’, the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award must be extra special for you @Javedakhtarjadu Saab! It’s a truly incredible honour! Congratulations!”
Singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan shared, “Heartiest congratulations to the one and only @Javedakhtarjadu for receiving the prestigious Richard Dawkins award 2020 for critical thinking ,holding religious dogma upto scrutiny , advancing human progress and humanist values .He is the only indian to receive it ever!”
Actor turned politician Urmila Matondkar wrote, “Heartiest congratulations @Javedakhtarjadu saab on becoming the first Indian to win Richard Dawkins Award 2020 for critical thinking, advancing human progress and humanist values #ONENONLY”
Senior actor and wife Shabana Azmi – Such marvellous news. Congratulations @Javedakhtarjadu.To win an award from your Hero is the ultimate validation
Javed who has written the screenplay for iconic movies like ‘Deewar, Zanjeer’, and ‘Sholay’ along with Salim Khan, has earlier been awarded Padma Shri (1999), Padma Bhushan (2007).
The veteran lyricist and screenwriter also have five National Awards for Best Lyricist to his name and even the Sahitya Akademi Award.