Stories
Javed Akhtar's Harrowing Start: Slept on Footpath, Starved for 3 Days
- •Javed Akhtar, turning 81, had a difficult start, arriving in Bombay on October 4, 1964, with only 27 'naye paise' and big dreams.
- •He endured sleeping on footpaths, railway stations, and studio compounds, once going three days without food.
- •Shabana Azmi shared his inspiring words during hardship: "Main yunhi marne ke liye nahin paida nahin hua tha. Yeh din badlenge."
- •His journey from poverty to becoming a celebrated lyricist is a testament to perseverance, as highlighted by Shabana Azmi.
- •Javed Akhtar's personal life includes a first marriage to Honey Irani, with whom he has children Zoya and Farhan Akhtar, before marrying Shabana Azmi.
Key Questions Answered
Javed Akhtar arrived at Bombay Central Station on October 4, 1964, with just 27 naye paise in his pocket. During his difficult early days, he slept on footpaths, railway stations, and studio compounds, and once went three days without food.
Before his marriage to Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar was married to screenwriter Honey Irani. They tied the knot in 1972, separated in 1978, and finalized their divorce in 1985, sharing two children together, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar.
Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi have been married for over four decades, having tied the knot in 1984. Shabana has described their long-lasting relationship as one built on strong friendship, shared worldviews, and similar ideologies despite having huge fights.
