When Javed Akhtar fell in love with Shabana Azmi: ‘Much before I told it to myself’ |

Javed Akhtar revealed his enduring fascination with Shabana Azmi predated their deeper acquaintance, describing a constant, quiet attraction. Shabana Azmi found love blossomed from shared comfort and his ability to make her laugh, appreciating his sharp intellect. Their enduring marriage, a testament to a love that found its own rhythm, began in 1984.

Legendary lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar is known for penning iconic songs such as “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga,” “Sandese Aate Hain,” and many more. Beyond his artistic legacy, Javed’s personal life has also drawn admiration. He has been married to celebrated actor Shabana Azmi for over three-and-a-half decades. In an old interview, he once revealed that his attraction to Shabana began even before they truly knew each other.

What drew Javed Akhtar toward Shabana Azmi

In a 2000 episode of Rendezvous With Simi Garewal, Javed Akhtar reflected on the early emotions he struggled to define. He admitted that fascination came first, with love following later.He explained that the feeling did not arrive suddenly. It existed quietly and remained constant. Speaking candidly, he said, “Much before I told it to myself, I was really fascinated by her. I don’t know why. Even when I didn’t know her much, she used to attract me. There was something about her that was always fascinating. It’s very difficult for me to decide what was the precise moment when I fell in love with her. I can’t think of a time when I knew this name, I knew this person, even remotely, and I was not attracted to her.” His words reflected certainty without calculation — emotion without drama.

Shabana Azmi on when love became clear

Shabana Azmi viewed their bond through the lens of shared roots and emotional comfort. She felt their backgrounds aligned naturally, creating ease and trust.She recalled that love followed companionship, with joy playing a key role. She said, “Quite soon after I got to know him. Firstly, he used to make me laugh a lot — I used to keep laughing all the time. I enjoyed his company. I find him very stimulating, one of the most intelligent men I have met, so I enjoyed his company very much, and that, I think, led to love.”

A love that chose its own time

Before marrying Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar was married to Honey Irani, with whom he has two children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. After separating in 1978, he eventually married Shabana Azmi in 1984.