Esteemed Bollywood screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has come forward with a candid recount of his personal life, touching upon his divorce with Honey Irani and his stance on the Uniform Civil Code. Marrying Honey Irani in 1972, Javed Akhtar found himself at a turning point in his life when their relationship dissolved after 11 years. The couple share two talented children, filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and director Zoya Akhtar, who have both made a significant impact on the Indian film industry.
In the wake of his separation from Irani, Javed Akhtar married acclaimed actress Shabana Azmi in 1984, with whom he has enjoyed a longstanding partnership. The veteran screenwriter’s openness came during an interview with Mojo Story, where he publicly extended support for the Uniform Civil Code. This stance was particularly remarkable as he disclosed the choice he made following his divorce from Irani.
As per the tenets of Muslim personal law, Javed Akhtar was required to provide alimony to Honey Irani for a span of four months post-divorce. However, casting aside this provision, he took a stance rooted in personal responsibility. “I didn’t think that she was only my responsibility for four months,” Javed Akhtar explained, signaling a commitment to support Irani beyond the dictated timeframe. Despite their split, the two maintain a strong friendship, underpinned by mutual respect and understanding.
Amid this revelation, Javed Akhtar also ascribed the end of his first marriage to his issues with alcoholism. Starting to drink in his early twenties, he admitted to consuming almost a full bottle of alcohol every night until the age of 42. He acknowledged that his earlier belief, common amongst Urdu poets—that a carefree lifestyle and alcohol were companions to artistry—was a misplaced value that affected his family life.
Javed’s professional journey has been hallmarked by his collaboration with screenwriter Salim Khan. The powerhouse duo, known as Salim-Javed, has been instrumental in crafting a succession of hit films that left indelible marks on Bollywood cinema. Their celebrated works include blockbusters like ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’, ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Deewaar’, ‘Trishul’, ‘Kaala Patthar’, ‘Dostana’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Mr India’, and ‘Don’.
Amidst these personal disclosures, plans for a documentary titled ‘Angry Young Men’ have been unveiled. This joint venture will see Salman Khan’s production company, SKF, collaborate with Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment and Zoya Akhtar’s Tiger Baby Films. The documentary aims to chronicle the lives and illustrious careers of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, whose screenwriting has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.
In this outpouring of personal history intertwined with professional esteem, Javed Akhtar’s story is an exemplar of the dynamic and multifaceted nature of lives lived behind the silver screen. While his contributions to Indian cinema are widely recognized, his pursuit of personal truth and justice offers a unique glimpse into the individual behind the celebrated personality.
(Inputs from ANI)
The unfolding narrative of Javed Akhtar’s past serves as a potent reminder of human complexity, as he navigates the intersections of cultural tradition, personal morality, and the inescapable throes of human emotion. As he continues to forward his voice in the socio-political sphere alongside his artistic endeavors, his influence extends beyond the domain of film, touching on the lives of audiences and citizens alike.
