Last update:November 23, 2024, 9:21 p.m. IST

Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has opened up about his marriage to actor Shabana Azmi, suggesting that he does not hold the institution of marriage in high esteem.

Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi got married in 1984.

Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has opened up about his marriage to actor Shabana Azmi, suggesting that he does not hold the institution of marriage in high esteem. In an interview, Javed said that mutual respect is the foundation of any relationship. He described marriage as an ancient tradition that has accumulated “moss and mud” over the centuries.

Javed Akhtar went on to explain that he and Shabana, who married in 1984 under difficult circumstances while he was still married to his first wife, Honey Irani, were more like friends than a traditional married couple. Speaking on Barkha Dutt’s Mojo Story, he said, “Actually, we are barely married. We are friends. My only condition for a good marriage is: are you friends or not? Shaadi-waadi toh bekaar kaam hai (The concept of marriage is nonsense). It’s a centuries-old tradition, it’s a stone that has been rolling down the mountains for centuries. And going down the hill, he picked up a lot of moss, a lot of garbage and manure.”

Javed shared his thoughts on marriage, saying it’s not about labels like ‘husband’ and ‘wife’. It’s more about being good friends who respect and understand each other. “The words ‘wife’ and ‘husband’ have taken on such different meanings. Forget it. Two people, regardless of gender, how can they live happily together. We need mutual respect, we need mutual consideration, we need to give each other space,” he said.

Javed Akhtar explained that in a relationship, both partners must understand that each has their own ambitions and dreams, and both have the same right to pursue them. He continued: “We have to understand that the other person is a human being, with their own ambitions and their own dreams. They have as much right to their ambitions as I do to mine. That’s all. It’s not rocket science. It’s actually quite simple. You can only live happily together if you are both happy,” he said, before adding: “One thing is certain, love without respect is a fraud. Let me tell you, independent woman, with her own ambitions, her own affairs, according to her, is not a very practical person. Obviously, a person who lives with you and is not your slave is bound to be troublesome, but you must understand that they are not a slave!