Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, celebrated for her groundbreaking roles and unwavering commitment to feminism, has opened up about the fierce opposition she faced when she decided to marry lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar in 1984. In a candid recounting of the period, Azmi detailed warnings from family and friends and the societal backlash that followed their union.
Family Concerns and Societal Backlash
Shabana Azmi’s parents, renowned poet Kaifi Azmi and actress Shaukat Kaifi, reportedly discouraged the match from the outset. At the time, Javed Akhtar was still legally married to writer and former actress Honey Irani and was the father of two young children, Farhan and Zoya. According to Azmi, her parents feared public judgment and trouble within their extended family.
“People said, ‘You call yourself a feminist, sohow have you got yourself in this situation?’” Azmi recalled in an interview with Twinkle Khanna. “It was difficult enough for the people involved, and then just for gossip’s sake, they speculated endlessly.” Azmi chose silence over rebuttal, believing that her actions and the strength of her relationship would eventually vindicate her decision.
Upholding Feminist Principles
Despite being widely recognized as a feminist icon through her film roles, Azmi faced accusations of hypocrisy. Critics pointed to her marriage as proof of moral inconsistency, given Javed Akhtar’s status as a married man with children. Yet Azmi maintained that her choice was deliberate and principled.
“In time people will come to know, and that is exactly what happened,” she said. Rather than engage in public debates, Azmi focused on building a foundation of trust with Akhtar, confident in the slow but steady growth of their bond.
Trials by Fire and Faith in the Relationship
Over four decades on, the couple’s marriage has weathered controversies and personal trials. Azmi emphasized that enduring relationships require commitment and resilience.
“I don’t think Javed will betray me. I have complete faith in him,” she said. “It is a slow thing; it has been built over the years. We had a contentious relationship, and people said that he would betray me. But we have gone through trials by fire.”
Their shared belief in each other and willingness to confront challenges head-on, Azmi suggested, has been instrumental to the longevity of their partnership.
Honey Irani’s Unlikely Role
One of the most poignant aspects of Azmi’s story is the role played by Honey Irani, Javed Akhtar’s ex-wife. Far from harboring resentment, Irani is credited with fostering a positive relationship between Azmi and her children.
“Through it all, she never poisoned the children’s minds against me,” Azmi said. Irani even entrusted her children to Azmi and Akhtar for trips abroad, strengthening familial bonds. “She would have been justified in holding a grudge… but she never did that.”
Azmi acknowledged that the warmth and support extended by Irani laid the groundwork for a healthy, blended family dynamic that has endured to this day.
Legacy of a Partnership
Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar are now among India’s most respected artistic couples, each with distinguished careers spanning cinema, poetry, and social activism. Their marriage, now in its 41st year, stands as a testament to perseverance and mutual respect.
As Azmi reflects on the early days of skepticism and disapproval, she underscores the importance of personal conviction. “At that time, I did have a choice,” she remarked. Choosing love over convention, she demonstrated that adhering to one’s principles sometimes means defying expectations.
Today, the Azmi–Akhtar household thrives on creativity and collaboration. Their story continues to inspire those who believe in the power of love to transcend barriers and forge enduring bonds.
By – Sonali