Entertainment


Javed Akhtar to be conferred SOA Sahitya Samman-2025

Bhubaneshwar, Nov 1 (UNI) Legendary poet, lyricist, scriptwriter and social thinker Padma Bhushan Javed Akhtar will be presented the SOA Sahitya Samman for 2025 for his outstanding and lifelong contribution to Indian cinema and literature.
The award will be presented to the legend during the inaugural session of the two-day 3rd SOA Literary Festival to be held in the Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) Deemed to be University campus here on November 29.
The SOA Sahitya Samman has been instituted by the SOA Deemed to be University to honour and celebrate outstanding work of literature from across the country. The award seeks to recognize eminent writers, poets and thinkers whose work exemplifies excellence, creativity and intellectual depth.
Akhtar is a celebrated script writer, lyricist, poet and thinker whose words have defined the emotional and cultural landscape of modern India. A master lyricist, his creative genius has enriched Hindi cinema with depth and timeless resonance.
A recipient of five National Film Awards and 15 Filmfare Awards, Akhtar has also been honoured with the Padma Shri (1999), Padma Bhushan (2007) and the Sahitya Akademi Award (2014), among many others. His poetry collections 'Tarkash' and 'Lava' remain among the best-selling works of modern Hindi literature and have been translated into several Indian and foreign languages.
An eloquent voice of reason and progress, Akhtar has addressed leading universities worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge.
A creative visionary and one of the greatest wordsmiths of Indian cinema, his oeuvre bridges literature and life, art and conscience, continuing to inspire generations through fearless truth, poetic imagination and profound humanism.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs. Seven lakh along with a citation, a silver idol of Goddess Saraswati and a shawl. It will be conferred on a distinguished Indian litterateur writing in any language recognized by the Constitution of India every year.
The theme of this year’s two days festival, to be held on November 29 and 30 and conducted by the SOA Centre for Preservation, Propagation, Restoration of Ancient Culture and Heritage of India (PPRACHIN), will be ‘Culture, Creativity and Artificial Intelligence’, Prof. Gayatribala Panda, Head, PPRACHIN and Director of the Festival, said.
“This year’s literary festival is expected to bring together 100 eminent writers, poets, artists, novelists, translators, publishers, thinkers, theatre and media personalities from across India,” Prof. Panda said adding it will have 30 different sessions over the two days.
UNI MK MI ARN
More News

Disney developing live-action ‘Gaston Spinoff’ from ‘Beauty and the Beast’

16 Dec 2025 | 1:13 PM

Los Angeles,Dec 16 (UNI) Disney is developing a live-action spinoff film centered on ‘Gaston,’ the boastful and brawny antagonist from ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ reports Variety.

see more..

Ananya Panday, Black Warrant shine at ‘Filmfare OTT Awards’

16 Dec 2025 | 12:44 PM

Mumbai, Dec 16 (UNI) The sixth edition of the Filmfare OTT Awards celebrated the best of digital entertainment, with Black Warrant emerging as the biggest winner of the night by securing the top honour for Best OTT Series. The awards were announced on Monday night.

see more..

Amid ‘Dhurandhar’ blockbuster run, Ranveer Singh reflects on destiny

16 Dec 2025 | 12:34 PM

New Delhi, Dec 16 (UNI) Ranveer Singh shared a cryptic note on destiny and patience amid the blockbuster success of his latest release, 'Dhurandhar'.

see more..

TV actor Anuj Sachdeva attacked in Goregaon with rod over parking dispute

16 Dec 2025 | 10:15 AM

Mumbai, Dec 16 (UNI) Actor Anuj Sachdeva, known for his roles in television shows like 'Phir Subah Hogi' and 'Itti Si Khushi', was assaulted in public in a shocking incident that left him injured.

see more..

Dakota Johnson shares stage with Lily Allen on ‘Saturday Night Live’

16 Dec 2025 | 9:29 AM

Washington, Dec 16 (UNI) Dakota Johnson made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live this weekend, joining Lily Allen during the singer’s musical guest performance, according to People.

see more..