Indian film industry has withstood Hollywood storm: Javed Akhtar

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar, who has been part of the Indian film industry for more than four decades, says so far only Bollywood has not suffered at the hands of Hollywood.

"Hollywood is such a powerful film industry that it has ruined film industries of the world. Wherever Hollywood films reach, the original film industry of that nation got ruined, except India. Our film industry is flourishing be it Tamil and Telugu films," the 67-year-old said here at the music launch of "Ye Khula Aasman".

The Indian film industry turns 100 next year and Akhtar is happy that it is spreading roots across the world.

"Our films are showcased in around one 30 nations abroad. The number of nations that view Hindi films is increasing and this is not an ordinary thing," said Akhtar.

"We have made some good and bad films. We have made some excellent films as well. I think Indian cinema is at such a point that the future can only be bright and in another 10 years it will reach great heights," said Akhtar, who has penned songs for films like "Mr.India", "Tezaab", "1942: A Love Story", "Dil Chahta Hai" and "Refugee".

Akhtar forayed into Bollywood as a scriptwriter with "Yakeen". Later he joined hands with Salim Khan and the duo together wrote blockbusters like "Zanjeer", "Sholay", "Yaadon Ki Baraat", "Deewar", "Kranti" and "Don".