Javed Akhtar opens up about his first marriage with Honey Irani, blames alcoholism for strain: “The bitterness was compressed inside me” : Bollywood News

Lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently spoke candidly about his first marriage to Honey Irani and his struggles with alcoholism in an interview with Mojo Story. Javed and Honey, who were married for 11 years before their 1985 divorce, navigated challenges due to the former’s drinking problem. He acknowledged his responsibility towards his former spouse.

Javed Akhtar opens up about his first marriage with Honey Irani, blames alcoholism for strain: “The bitterness was compressed inside me”

The veteran screenwriter and lyricist asserted, “I am living in uniform civil code. I was married to a lady, and after 11 years of marriage, we got divorced. According to Muslim personal law, I was only responsible for giving her alimony for four months, but I didn’t think that. She was my responsibility.”

He further added, “It is also her choice whether she wants my support or not, but whenever she wants and whenever she will, or she may not as she is a very self-respecting person, but I’m available for help. I walked out of the house with some books and some clothes. That’s all. And now we are best of friends because of this relationship and this understanding.”

He revealed a personal timeline of his drinking habits, starting at a young age and continuing for over two decades. He recognized the cultural association of alcohol with artistic expression but admitted, "I think I had those wrong values."

He described a conflict between his upbringing and the effects of alcohol. "The bitterness was compressed inside me," he said. However, while under the influence, "all those barriers would break" leading to negative behaviour. He acknowledged the toll this took on his marriage, stating, "If I was a sober and responsible person, the story would have been different."

He also touched upon his current marriage to actress Shabana Azmi, acknowledging her support during his initial struggles with sobriety. He ultimately made a personal decision to quit drinking at the age of 42.

Also Read: Javed Akhtar reacts to Sandeep Reddy Vanga taking a dig at him; says, “53 years ke career mein tum kuch bhi nahi nikaal paye”