Renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar has had quite a journey in life. Many may not know that he was once married to Honey Irani, with whom he shares two wonderful children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. Recently, he opened up about a tumultuous period in his past, shedding light on his battle with alcoholism and how it affected his first marriage.
In a candid conversation with Sapan Verma on his YouTube channel, the seasoned lyricist didn’t hold back when asked about pivotal moments that shaped his life. With a reflective tone, Javed Akhtar confessed to wasting precious time consumed by alcohol. He acknowledged his past as a “drunkard” and vividly recalled the turning point on July 31, 1991, when he decided to give up drinking for good.
At 79 years young, Javed Akhtar realized that the decade he spent drowning in alcohol could have been utilized for more meaningful pursuits. He shared a heartfelt piece of advice for the youth, urging them to steer clear of the pitfalls of excessive drinking. Looking back on his life, he admitted that most of his regrets stemmed from decisions made under the influence of alcohol.
“I regret the demise of my first marriage. It could have been salvaged if not for my reckless behavior and excessive drinking,” he lamented. Javed Akhtar candidly confessed that his actions during that time were fueled by impulsive decisions and unnecessary conflicts. Reflecting on his past, he humbly acknowledged the mistakes he made and the lessons learned.
In a poignant moment captured in the third episode of the documentary series, Angry Young Men, Javed Akhtar openly addressed the failure of his first marriage. He expressed deep remorse towards Honey Irani, admitting that greater understanding on his part could have averted many hardships.
Javed Akhtar’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. His marriage to Honey Irani in 1972, followed by a subsequent union with Shabana Azmi in 1984, paints a picture of love, loss, and growth. Despite the challenges he faced, Javed Akhtar’s creative spirit continues to shine through, as evidenced by his recent appearance in the documentary series, Angry Young Men, which delves into his cinematic legacy alongside Salim Khan.
Through his candid revelations and introspective journey, Javed Akhtar reminds us of the power of self-reflection, redemption, and the enduring human spirit. His story serves as a poignant reminder that growth and transformation are possible, no matter how rocky the road may be.
