In a recent episode of Arbaaz Khan’s popular podcast, “The Invincibles,” veteran actress Shabana Azmi candidly discussed her relationship with husband Javed Akhtar’s children, Farhan and Zoya Akhtar. She credited the cordial and supportive dynamic they share largely to Honey Irani, Javed Akhtar’s first wife.
Shabana Azmi highlighted the emotional and often complex landscapes that stepfamilies navigate. She admitted to Arbaaz Khan that the harmonious relationship she enjoys with her stepchildren is a collective achievement. “Isme hum teeno ko credit jaata hai. Humne ye tay kiya ki isme kadwahat nahi honi chahiye,” (I give credit to all three of us – Javed, Honey, and Shabana). She elaborated, “Of course, initially Honey felt rejected and bitter but Javed kept at it. And today what has come from it is something I am really proud of. Magar log jo hai na jab iss tarah ka separation hota hai toh duniyabhar ki baatein karte hai aur aap yeh chahte hai ki apne aap ko save karein,” (When such a separation happens, the society talks a lot about it and you try to protect yourself from such noises).
Azmi also reflected on the tacit decision she made during those challenging times to not publicly discuss the sensitive matter. “Lekin uss waqt maine tay kiya ki mai kuch nahi bolungi aur fir yeh apne aap khatam hojayega. Yeh decision nahi aata agar javed ne mujhe support nahi kiya hota toh,” (But at that time, I had decided to not speak about it and eventually, it all stopped. I could take such a step as Javed supported me), she shared.
Discussing her bond with Farhan and Zoya Akhtar, Azmi acknowledged that time played a crucial role in building their relationship. “Then after that, because these kids were very young then, they started growing and becoming friends with me. And today I think they feel more comfortable with me than their father. Especially when they are exasperated with him, they come and talk to me,” Shabana revealed, indicating that her bond with them is strong enough for them to share their frustrations and seek advice.
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Azmi went on to share how Honey Irani played an indispensable role in facilitating a loving and respectful relationship between her and the children. “I feel very happy because I have a very beautiful relationship with them and I give credit to Honey. They were young kids at that time and it was the easiest thing for Honey to take them away. She never did that and encouraged them to come with us,” Azmi noted.
She stressed that she took a careful approach in initially interacting with the children. “Aur maine kya kiya ki maine shuru mein unko overwhelm karne ki koshish nahi ki. Realize hua tha ki isme waqt lagega and that I must give them that time,” (What I did was initially I didn’t overwhelm them. I realized things will take time and gave them that space), she elaborated, indicating that patience and sensitivity were key components in developing their rapport.
Javed Akhtar’s personal history is also an important facet of this narrative. He married Honey Irani in 1972, and they had two children, Farhan and Zoya, who have both made remarkable careers in the Indian film industry. However, Javed and Honey’s marriage did not last, and they parted ways in the same year he married Shabana Azmi in December 1984.
Shabana Azmi has often been vocal about societal judgments and how she chose to navigate through them without jeopardizing her own peace and the sanctity of her relationships. The goodwill and moral support from all parties involved led to a unique familial structure where respect and understanding lay the foundation for a healthy and happy coexistence.
As public figures, the lives of Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, and Zoya Akhtar continually attract public interest. Their familial dynamics and professional contributions offer valuable insights into managing personal complexities gracefully while pursuing professional excellence. This candid conversation with Arbaaz Khan sheds light on the importance of emotional intelligence, support systems, and mutual respect in fostering enriching relationships, transcending the typical barriers often faced by stepfamilies.
