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{{Short description|Indian writer}}
{{Distinguish|Javed Siddiqi}}
{{BLP sources|date=September 2024}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox person
|image = |
| name = Javed Siddiqui
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1942|1|13}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Screenwriter|dialogue writer|playwright}}
| birth_place = India
| yearsactive = 1977–present
| children = [[Lubna Salim]], Sameer Siddiqui, Murad Siddiqi, Zeba Siddiqi
| birthname =
| othername =
| awards = {{ubl|[[Filmfare Awards]] (1994, 1996)|[[Screen Award]] (1996)}}
| website = {{URL|javedsiddiqi.com}}
}}
'''Javed Siddiqui''' (born 13 January 1942) is a [[Hindi]] and [[Urdu]] screenwriter, dialogue writer and playwright from India. He has written over 50 storylines, [[screenplays]] and dialogues.

During his career, Siddiqi has collaborated with some of India's most prominent filmmakers, from independent directors like [[Satyajit Ray]] and [[Shyam Benegal]] to commercial directors like [[Yash Chopra]] and [[Subhash Ghai]]. He has become an integral part of [[Indian cinema]], in both commercial and [[art cinema]] fields.

Siddiqi has won two [[Filmfare Awards]], two [[Star Screen Awards]], and one [[BFJA Awards|BFJA Award]].
In 2010, he announced his association with ''Tumbhi'' where he would review artists and their artwork.

==Cinema and television==
After having graduated in Urdu Literature from [[Rampur, Uttar Pradesh|Rampur]], Javed Siddiqui moved to [[Bombay]] (now [[Mumbai]]) in 1959, where he worked as a professional journalist for various Urdu dailies like ''Khilafat Daily'' and ''Inquilaab''. Soon after that, he went on to lead his own newspaper, ''Urdu Reporter''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/words-worth-6/ |author=Vidya Prabhu|date=27 November 2011|newspaper=The Indian Express (newspaper)|title=Words Worth|access-date=16 November 2022}}</ref>

He started his career as a dialogue writer in [[Satyajit Ray]]'s ''[[Shatranj Ke Khilari (film)|Shatranj Ke Khilari]]'' in 1977.<ref name=TheHindu>{{cite news|title =Between the lines|newspaper= The Hindu (newspaper)|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/interview-with-ddlj-dialogue-writer-javed-siddiqui/article6704505.ece
|date=18 December 2014|access-date=2022-11-16 | first = Anuj | last = Kumar }}</ref>

Since then, he has been highly regarded for his works in different genres of film making, including [[art films]] or [[parallel cinema]], like ''[[Umrao Jaan (1981 film)|Umrao Jaan]]'', ''[[Mammo]]'', ''[[Fiza]]'', ''[[Zubeidaa]]'' and ''[[Tehzeeb (2003 film)|Tehzeeb]]''; as well as commercial hits, such as ''[[Baazigar]]'', ''[[Darr]]'', ''[[Yeh Dillagi]]'', ''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]'', ''[[Raja Hindustani]]'', ''[[Pardes (1997 film)|Pardes]]'', ''[[Chori Chori Chupke Chupke]]'' and ''[[Koi... Mil Gaya]]''.<ref name=TheHindu/>

He has also written scripts for serials like [[Shyam Benegal]]'s ''[[Bharat Ek Khoj]]'', [[Ramesh Sippy]]'s ''Kismet'', [[Yash Chopra]]'s ''Waqt'' and others.

==Theatre==
Siddiqi has worked in theatre. He was national vice-president of [[Indian People's Theatre Association]] (IPTA), and later contributed to the origin and functioning of the [[Marathi language|Marathi]] IPTA, and has been associated with it as a national member.<ref>[https://www.mumbaitheatreguide.com/dramas/groups/ipta.asp IPTA (Indian People's Theatre Association) at mumbai theatreguide.com website] Retrieved 16 November 2022</ref>

His play ''[[Tumhari Amrita]]'', an adaptation of [[A R Gurney]]'s classic American play ''[[Love Letters (play)|Love Letters]]'' attained cult success. It had only two actors ([[Shabana Azmi]] and [[Farooq Sheikh]]) reading out letters to each other with neither change of set or costume. It ran for 21 years until [[Farooq Sheikh]]'s death on 28 December 2013, and is one of the longest-running plays in India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ourlifejourney.info/tumhariAmrita.htm |title=Tumhari Amrita Review |access-date=16 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723024200/http://www.ourlifejourney.info/tumhariAmrita.htm |archive-date=23 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=TheHindu/> Since its debut at [[Prithvi Theatre]] on 27 February 1992, the play has been performed all over the world, including a performance at the [[United Nations]], the first Indian play to do so.

This was followed by ''Saalgirah'', starring actress [[Kirron Kher]], a play dealing with the complexity of divorce in modern urban life.<ref name=TheHindu/>

Siddiqui has ventured into various domains, from [[Bertolt Brecht]] to more contemporary themes in his adaptations. He has adapted Brecht's play ''Puntilla'' and several of his other works. His play ''Andhe Choohe'', based on [[Agatha Christie]]'s ''[[The Mousetrap]]'', is one of the world's longest-running dramas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/25/stories/2005112502410400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106054925/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/25/stories/2005112502410400.htm|newspaper= The Hindu (newspaper)|date= 25 November 2005|archive-date=6 November 2007|title=Babbars' brush with Hyderabad|author=C. Suresh Kumar|access-date=18 November 2022}}</ref> Critic [[Vijay Nair (author)|Vijay Nair]] wrote "Javed Siddiqui's lines are as poignant as ever. They leap out of the letters as little gems. At times they plead with the incoherence of hurts long stifled. At times they flare up like little flames scorching the audience. At times they soothe like fresh raindrops after a scorching summer. But at all times they have a life of their own and make their presence felt like an invisible third character on stage." His play ''1857: Ek Safarnama'' set in the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]] was staged at [[Purana Qila]], Delhi ramparts by [[Nadira Babbar]] and [[National School of Drama]] Repertory company, in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |title=A little peek into history |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/05/02/stories/2008050250120300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109020307/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/05/02/stories/2008050250120300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 November 2012|newspaper=The Hindu (newspaper)|date=2 May 2008|access-date=18 November 2022|author=Romesh Chander}}</ref>

His plays include ''[[Hamesha]]'', ''Begum Jaan'', ''Aap Ki Soniya'' and Kacche Lamhe.<ref name=TheHindu3>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/05/20/stories/2005052004060300.htm|title=Living it with letters |newspaper=The Hindu (newspaper)|archive-date=6 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106064051/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/05/20/stories/2005052004060300.htm |date=20 May 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=18 November 2022}}</ref>

===Personal life===
Javed Siddiqui belongs to the family of great freedom fighters, [[Mohammad Ali Jouhar]] and his brother [[Maulana Shaukat Ali]]. His father was an assistant librarian at [[Raza Library]].{{fact|date=February 2026}}

His early education was in [[Rampur Samastipur|Rampur]]'s Hamid High School and Jaame-ul-uloom, Furqaniah. He passed his high school in English in [[Aligarh Muslim University]].
At the age of 17, he moved to Bombay and under the guidance of his uncle Maulana Zahid Shaukat Ali, Javed started his career as a journalist in his Urdu newspaper ''Khilafat Daily''. He worked in newspapers such as ''Inquilab'' and ''[[Hindustan (newspaper)|Hindustan]]'' and then started his own newspaper named ''Urdu Reporter''.{{fact|date=February 2026}}

Siddiqui started his career in films as a dialogue writer and assistant director to [[Satyajit Ray]] in [[Shatranj Ke Khilari (film)|''Shatranj Ke Khilari'']]. He also assisted [[James Ivory (director)|James Ivory]] as chief assistant director.

Siddiqui has four children. Two of them, [[Lubna Salim]] and Sameer Siddiqui, are involved in film and theatre.

==Urdu literature==
In 2012, Siddiqui wrote a book of pen sketches named ''Roshandan''. The book was published from Delhi and later on it was republished from Ajj, Karachi. A comprehensive review on the book was written by Karachi-based writer and researcher on Ibne Safi, Rashid Ashraf which was published in Karachi renowned Urdu magazine Quarterly ''Ijra'' in 2012.<ref name=HamariWeb>(Rashid Ashraf) [https://www.hamariweb.com/articles/article.aspx?id=20184 Book Review] Ijra, (In Urdu), Hamari Web website, Published July–September 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2022</ref>

Siddiqui started the second part of ''Roshandan'' with the first pen sketch on Satyajit Ray (Kya Aadmi Tha Ray) which was published in Mumbai's literary magazine ''Naya Warq'' and later on in Ajj, Karachi, March 2013.

==Awards==
* 1994 [[Filmfare Award]] for ''[[Baazigar]]'' Best Screenplay<ref>[https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners Filmfare Award Winners List] Filmfare.com website, Retrieved 18 November 2022</ref>
* 1996 [[Filmfare Award]] for ''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]'' Best Dialogues<ref name=TheHindu/>
* 1996 [[Screen Award]] for ''[[Raja Hindustani]]'' Best Screenplay

==List of works==

===Film writer===
*''[[Shatranj Ke Khilari]]'' (1977)<ref name=TheHindu/>
* ''[[Chithegu Chinthe]]'' (1978)
*''[[Bara (1982 film)|Bara]]'' (''[[Sookha]])'' (1980)
*''[[Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980 film)|Ali Baba aur 40 Chor]]'' (1980)
*''[[Umrao Jaan (1981 film)| Umrao Jaan]]''(1981) (dialogue)<ref name=TheHindu/>
*''[[Chakra (1981 film)|Chakra]]'' (1981)<ref name=TheHindu/>
*''[[Sohni Mahiwal (1984 film)|Sohni Mahiwal]]'' (1984)
*''[[Do Dilon Ki Dastaan (1985 film)|Do Dilon Ki Dastaan]]'' (1985)
*''[[Naam O Nishan]]'' (1987)
*''[[Mar Mitenge]]'' (1988)
*''[[Aakhri Adaalat]]'' (1988)
*''Shukriyaa'' (1988)
*''[[Guru (1989 film)|Guru]]'' (1989)
*''[[Ilaaka]]'' (1989)
*''[[Baaghi: A Rebel for Love|Baaghi]]'' A Rebel for Love (1990)
*''[[Anjali (1990 film)|Anjali]]'' (1990)
*''[[Adharm (1992 film)|Adharm]]'' (1992) (dialogue)
*''[[Baazigar]]'' (1993)<ref name=TheHindu/>
*''[[Dhanwaan]]'' (1993)
*''[[Darr]]'' (1993)<ref name=TheHindu/>
*''[[Mammo]]'' (1994)
*''[[Chauraha]]'' (1994)
*''[[Yeh Dillagi]]'' (1994)
*''[[Zamaana Deewana]]'' (1995)
*''[[Gaddaar (1995 film)|Gaddaar]]'' (1995)
*''[[Hum Dono (1995 film)|Hum Dono]]'' (1995)
*''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]'' (1995)<ref name=TheHindu/>
*''[[Chaahat (1996 film)|Chaahat]]'' (1996)
*''[[Raja Hindustani]]'' (1996)
*''[[Pardes (1997 film)|Pardes]]'' (1997)<ref name=TheHindu/>
*''[[Duplicate (1998 film)|Duplicate]]'' (1998)
*''[[Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai]]'' (1998)
*''[[Angaaray (1998 film)|Angaaray]]'' (1998)
*''[[Barood (1998 film)|Barood]]'' (1998)
*''Soldier'' (1998)
*''[[Dahek]]'' A Burning Passion (1998)
*''[[Dil Kya Kare]]'' (1999)
*''[[Taal (film)|Taal]]'' (1999)<ref name=TheHindu/>
*''[[Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa]]'' (2000)
*''[[Fiza]]'' (2000)
*''[[Raju Chacha]]'' (2000)
*''[[Zubeidaa]]'' (2001)
*''[[Chori Chori Chupke Chupke]]'' (2001)
*''[[Albela (2001 film)|Albela]]'' (2001)
*''[[Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai]]'' (2002)
*''[[Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai]]'' (2002)
*''Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin'' (2002)
*''[[Koi Mil Gaya]]'' (2003)
*''[[Zameen (2003 film)|Zameen]]'' (2003)
*''[[Tehzeeb (2003 film)|Tehzeeb]]'' (2003)
*''[[Dil Maange More]]'' (2004)
*''[[Blackmail (2005 film)|Blackmail]]'' (2005)
*''Banaras'' (2006)
*''[[Humko Tumse Pyar Hai]]'' (2006)
*''[[Dus Kahaniyan]]'' (2007)
*''[[Sadiyaan]]'' (2010)
*''Battle Of Saragahi''

===Plays===
*''[[Tumhari Amrita]]''<ref name=TheHindu/>
*''Saalgirah''<ref name=TheHindu/>
*''[[Hamesha]]''
*''Begum Jaan''
*''Aap ki Soniya''<ref name=TheHindu3/>
*''Kacche Lamhe''
* Dhuaan
* Aur Agle Saal
* Kate hue Raaste
* Patjhad se Zara Pehle
* Shyam Rang
* Who Ladki
* Raat
* Mogra
* Maati Kahe Kumhar Se
* Peele Patton ka Ban
* Kharaashein
* Lakeerein
* Humsafar
* Gudamba

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|id=0796503}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestDialogue}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestScreenplay}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Siddiqui, Javed}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian male dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Muslim writers]]
[[Category:Indian Muslims]]
[[Category:Urdu-language Indian writers]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:Indian television writers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male writers]]
[[Category:Indian male television writers]]

Javed Siddiqui - Revision history

Mpsep15 at 19:24, 4 April 2026