Veteran lyricist, poet and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar was honoured with an honourary Doctor of Literature degree at a ceremony at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. His wife Shabana Azmi and son Farhan Akhtar were with him during the ceremony. 

Shabana shared a picture with Javed and Farhan on Instagram and wrote, "Congratulations @jaduakhtar on being awarded Honorary Doctorate of Literature from SOAS @university of London." The lyricist was dressed in a kurta and Nehru jacket. He was conferred with the honourary degree for his creative endeavours as a distinguished writer and his dedication to social justice as an activist.