Javed Akhtar, the esteemed lyricist-screenwriter, is set to receive the prestigious Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award at the renowned Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival. 

• According to a press release, Akhtar, the talented co-writer behind iconic Hindi films like "Zanjeer", "Deewaar", "Sholay", "Don", "Kaala Patthar", and "Mr India", will receive recognition for his remarkable contributions to the Indian film industry.
• The prestigious award ceremony will be held on January 3, 2024, at the Rukmini Auditorium in the beautiful MGM University campus of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar during the opening day of the festival's ninth edition.
• The esteemed panel for the Padmapani Award selection comprised of acclaimed filmmaker Girish Kasarvalli, renowned Hindi poet Ashok Vajpeyi, esteemed film critic Latika Padgaonkar, as well as filmmakers Ashok Rane and Chandrakant Kulkarni.