Five-time National Award-winner Javed Akhtar was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the School of Oriental And African Studies (SOAS), University of London, this week. 

Akhtar says the announcement came as a surprise, and the acknowledgement embodies all that he has attempted to do as a writer.  “The citation read, ‘We would like to confer upon you a Doctor of Literature (DLit) (honoris causa) in recognition of your significant contribution as a poet, lyricist, screenwriter, and political activist.’ This is everything I’ve worked for all my life. To have my modest efforts recognised by one of the most prestigious universities in the world is a big honour. I am thankful,” he says, adding that this honour marks his third doctorate. “Shabana [Azmi] has received five, so we have been Drs for some time now.”