Shabana Azmi recently shed light on the complex dynamics of her marriage to renowned lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar, and the journey of blending their families. In an interview with Arbaaz Khan on his show, The Invincibles, Shabana candidly spoke about the initial bitterness felt by Javed’s first wife, Honey Irani, and the challenges they all faced.
Reflecting on the early days, Shabana acknowledged Honey’s feelings of rejection and bitterness when Javed and Shabana got together. “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,” Shabana shared. She emphasized the societal pressures and judgments that often accompany such separations, and her decision to remain silent, believing that time would heal the wounds.
Shabana expressed her gratitude for the support she received from Javed during this period, which enabled her to embrace her step-children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. “Then after that, because these kids were very young, they started growing and becoming friends with me. And today I think they feel more comfortable with me than their father,” she added, noting the special bond they share.
One of the key factors in the successful blending of their families was Honey Irani’s generosity. Shabana praised Honey for not restricting her children from bonding with her. “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,” Shabana said.
Shabana also highlighted her own approach in building a relationship with Farhan and Zoya, choosing not to overwhelm them and giving them the time they needed to adjust. She lauded Honey’s generosity and the good relationship they all share today. “I really doff my hat to Honey because that generosity came from her. And today even with Honey we have a really good relationship and I know that Honey has this confidence that if she were to need Javed or his advice even in the middle of the night, she can call him and he will come,” Shabana remarked.
Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar married in December 1984, following Javed’s separation from Honey Irani, whom he had married in 1972.
