Inside Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi’s luxurious Khandala home, here’s when they bought it | Hindi Movie News
Javed Akhtar reflected on a life shaped by hunger, uncertainty, and long years of struggle as he walked filmmaker Farah Khan through his luxury bungalow in Khandala in her recent vlog. Accompanied by his wife, actor Shabana Azmi, the veteran lyricist and screenwriter spoke candidly about a past that included sleeping on footpaths, skipping meals for days, and writing poetry while unsure of his future. Standing in the expansive home today, he admitted that the shift from survival to security remains difficult to process.This video on Farah Khan’s YouTube channel, offers the first detailed look inside the couple’s Khandala property, according to the vlog. The filmmaker, who is related to Akhtar, guided viewers through the home while prompting both Akhtar and Azmi to revisit memories from before fame and financial stability.
Javed Akhtar on struggle days in Farah Khan vlog
During the tour, Farah discussed Akhtar’s early days in Mumbai, when money was scarce and stability was elusive. Asked how it feels to now own such a lavish home, Akhtar replied, “Sometimes, I wonder if this is happening to me? Only those people have a fantasy who don’t have anything in life.” He recalled writing his poem Bhook during one such period. “I wrote the poem Bhook when I did not eat for three days straight,” he said. Reflecting on success, he added, “You can live in big houses in your life, but there is always that one small room in your life that you always remember.”
Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar’s Khandala bungalow tour details
Shabana Azmi stated that the property was purchased approximately 15 years ago. What sealed the deal was a 150-year-old tree on the land. The bungalow opens into a large garden with tall trees, marble statues, and a central fountain. Inside, a high-ceilinged foyer leads to rooms filled with vintage furniture and artifacts collected during the couple’s travels. As Farah filmed the drawing room and a massive wooden dining table, Akhtar joked that some pieces were “as old as Farah Khan herself.”Azmi said building the house led to frequent disagreements. “I was thinking of making this into a weekend cottage then I got to know that he is building a lavish bungalow here. We used to fight daily about this,” she said. A friend finally intervened with advice that stuck. “Javed Akhtar is Sholay and you are Ankur, you both will never meet and you have to leave Ankur and let him make Sholay.”Azmi also discussed her modest upbringing. “I have come from a modest family,” she said, recalling life in a communist party commune where eight families shared one bathroom and one toilet. She lived there until she was nine, before her family moved to Mumbai.
