By Monisha G Kumar Last Updated:
Ek ladki ko dekha to aisa laga, jaise khilta gulaab, jaise shaayar ka khwaab, jaise ujli kiran, jaise van mein hiran, jaise chaandni raat, jaise naghme ki baat, jaise mandir mein ho ek jalta diya, hoooo… who can forget these melodious lines written by Javed Akhtar for the film, 1942: A Love Story. Javed Akhtar, known as one of the finest composers, has given Bollywood breath-taking songs. Javed ji has the ability to create magic with his writings. From poems to songs to shayaris, he has mastered the art of winning hearts. (Also Read: Koena Mitra Opens Up About Her Abusive Relationship With Turkish Boyfriend, Mett Merral In Bigg Boss)
Javed ji’s writing has always prioritised love and romance. His lyrics give us a sense of hope and belonging. Sandese Aate Hai from the movie, Border to Panchchi Nadiyaan from Refugee speaks volume about the decorated writer. Javed ji’s lyrics in films like Silsila, Saagar, Lakshaya etc. has given a new direction to Indian Cinema.
Javed Akhtar married Honey Irani who was working with him in the movie, Seeta Aur Geeta. The duo separated and Javed ji went on to marry the celebrated actress, Shabana Azmi, daughter of Urdu poet, Kaifi Azmi. Both Shabana ji and Javed ji has been each other’s pillar of support. The respect they showered for each other made us believe in true love. Same was seen recently when Shabana ji took to Twitter and congratulated Javed Akhtar on completing 55 years in Bollywood industry.
Shabana Azmi opened about Javed Akhtar’s hardships and struggle and how he did not "give up to adversity". Recalling the same, Shabana Azmi took to Twitter and posted, "On this date, 55 years ago a 19-year-old boy got down at Bombay Central Station with 27 rupees in his pocket and dreams in his eyes @javedakhtarjadu slept on pavements went without food for days but belief in himself. A story of not giving up to adversity and dignity. I salute him."
She revealed how Javed ji was just 19 when he first arrived in Mumbai thinking of making it big in Bollywood and the struggles he faced. She further detailed how he had slept on the pavements with just Rs. 27 in his pocket. She also revealed that it was Javed ji’s determination and his never give up attitude which brought fame to him. She even said while he roamed without food, it was his belief in himself that helped him in the industry. (Also Read: Priyanka Chopra's Brother, Siddharth Chopra, Wishes Rumoured Girlfriend By Posting A Cute Picture)
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Javed Akhtar met Shabana Azmi at Kaifi Azmi’s house. His frequent visits to Kaifi Azmi’s place for the love of Urdu poetry got him attracted towards the charming Shabana Azmi. Whereas, Shabana ji kept her distance as Javed ji was already a married man. Speaking about the same in an interview with DNA, she had quoted, "If you consider the fact that one seeks the perfect match of backgrounds for an arranged marriage, then this could well have been the perfect arranged marriage. He (Javed) was already married by the time I realised how well suited we were. We stayed away from each other for as long as was possible."
Recalling about the time when she had asked her father’s permission to marry Javed saab and his reaction to it. She had said, “When I told my father, I asked him, “Is he wrong for me?” And he said, “He is not wrong, but the circumstances are wrong.” When I asked him, “What if I change the circumstances?” he said, “Then it should be okay.”
Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar have been married for 35 years, In an interview with DNA, when asked what is the secret behind their successful marriage, the actress had jokingly said it is because they rarely meet each other. She was quoted as saying, "There are times when we've said high and bye at the airport! Jokes apart, we have the same family background and so much in common that ours should have been an arranged marriage," (Also Read: Saif Ali Khan Reveals That Son, Taimur Ali Khan Is Least Interested In Getting Photographed)
We feel blessed to be born in the era of Javed Akhtar. We wish Javed ji all the best for his future endeavours.