08 June,2020 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Picture courtesy/Instagram account @zoieakhtar
Popular writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar has won the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award 2020 for critical thinking, holding religious dogma upto scrutiny, advancing human progress and humanist values. Be it on social media or sessions in different cities, Akhtar has been vocal about topics like CAA and Islamophobia.
Daughter Zoya Akhtar took to Instagram to share her excitement on the news. She posted a dashing picture of her father and wrote alongside: So my dad just won the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award 2020 for Critical Thinking and advancing Humanist Values. He is the only Indian to have done so. Previous recipients include Bill Maher, Stephen Fry, Ricky Gervais and Christopher Hitchens. Super excited for him. [sic]
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Javed Akhtar was not reachable, but his proud wife and veteran actress Shabana Azmi said: "He is the only Indian ever (to win the award). Previous recipients include Bill Maher and Christopher Hitchens. It is a huge honour."
The veteran lyricist and screenwriter also has five National Awards for Best Lyricist to his name as well as the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Farhan Akhtar too took to Instagram to congratulate his 'Papa'. He wrote alongside, "Congratulations pa.. for being the first Indian to receive the Richard Dawkins Award for critical thinking and advancing humanist values. You absolutely and unequivocally deserve it. So so proud. [sic]". Farhan also posted a picture of his father Javed Akhtar. Have a look:
Farhan's girlfriend-actress Shibani Dandekar was quick to comment on the post by her beau. She wrote, "Such a legend!", along with loads of hearts.
Actress Dia Mirza took to Twitter on Sunday to congratulate Akhtar. "@Javedakhtarjadu Congratulations! You make us proud."
Anurag Kashyap commented on Zoya's post saying, "He deserves every bit of it", while Soha Ali Khan congratulated the veteran and wrote, "Congratulations !!! That's wonderful news!"
Shabana Azmi commented on Zoya's post, too, saying, "I am so thrilled for him. Javed has been a long time admirer of Richard Dawkins and this is such a robust validation of Javed's steadfast commitment to rationality and critical thinking."
Shweta Bachchan Nanda wrote, "Congratulations!! Wonderful news."
Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker took to Twitter to extend his congratulatory wishes. "Congratulations @Javedakhtarjadu saab for winning the RICHARD DAWKINS AWARD 2020 for Critical Thinking, Advancing Human Progress; Humanist Values, and Holding Religious Dogma upto Scrutiny," he tweeted.
Gowariker also praised Akhtar for being the first Indian to get the honour. "And a special KYA BAAT HAI for being the FIRST INDIAN for this Honour!!!" his tweet further read.
Richard Dawkins Award has been presented since 2003 and is named after English evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins.
Wishing Javed Akhtar win more laurels in the times to come!
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Edited by mid-day online desk, with inputs from IANS
