Director-turned-digital creator Farah Khan recently offered viewers a rare glimpse into the sprawling Khandala residence of celebrated lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar and his wife, iconic actor Shabana Azmi. The visit carried a personal touch, as Javed Akhtar is closely related to Farah, having earlier been married to her maternal aunt, Honey Irani. The vlog was not merely a house tour but evolved into a reflective conversation about journeys, sacrifices, and the meaning of success.
During the interaction, Javed Akhtar revisited the stark realities of his early years in Mumbai. Long before acclaim and comfort entered his life, he endured extreme hardship, at times spending nights on pavements and surviving without food for several consecutive days. Looking around his present-day home, he reflected on how surreal such prosperity still feels, admitting that memories of deprivation often remain sharper than moments of abundance. He recalled that one of his most impactful poems, Bhook, was written during a phase when hunger was not a metaphor but a lived experience. For him, material comfort never fully erases the emotional imprint of struggle, and regardless of how large a house one may eventually inhabit, there is always a small, symbolic space tied to one’s past that lingers in memory.
Shabana Azmi shared insights into how the property came into their lives. According to her, the couple acquired the land about 15 years ago, drawn instantly to a majestic tree believed to be over a century old. That natural presence convinced them that the space had a soul worth preserving. However, their visions for the house initially clashed. Shabana imagined a quiet, retreat-like cottage suitable for occasional stays, while Javed envisioned an expansive and grand bungalow. Their differing perspectives led to frequent disagreements until a close friend offered an analogy that helped her make peace with the situation, prompting her to step back and allow Javed’s creative instincts to lead the project.
Shabana also opened up about her own upbringing, emphasizing that privilege did not define her early life. She described growing up in a shared living space associated with the Communist Party, where multiple families occupied small rooms and depended on a single bathroom and toilet. She lived in that environment until the age of nine, after which her family relocated to Mumbai. Her recollections highlighted that both she and Javed rose from modest beginnings, making their present life not just a symbol of success, but a testament to resilience and perseverance.
During the interaction, Javed Akhtar revisited the stark realities of his early years in Mumbai. Long before acclaim and comfort entered his life, he endured extreme hardship, at times spending nights on pavements and surviving without food for several consecutive days. Looking around his present-day home, he reflected on how surreal such prosperity still feels, admitting that memories of deprivation often remain sharper than moments of abundance. He recalled that one of his most impactful poems, Bhook, was written during a phase when hunger was not a metaphor but a lived experience. For him, material comfort never fully erases the emotional imprint of struggle, and regardless of how large a house one may eventually inhabit, there is always a small, symbolic space tied to one’s past that lingers in memory.
Shabana Azmi shared insights into how the property came into their lives. According to her, the couple acquired the land about 15 years ago, drawn instantly to a majestic tree believed to be over a century old. That natural presence convinced them that the space had a soul worth preserving. However, their visions for the house initially clashed. Shabana imagined a quiet, retreat-like cottage suitable for occasional stays, while Javed envisioned an expansive and grand bungalow. Their differing perspectives led to frequent disagreements until a close friend offered an analogy that helped her make peace with the situation, prompting her to step back and allow Javed’s creative instincts to lead the project.
Shabana also opened up about her own upbringing, emphasizing that privilege did not define her early life. She described growing up in a shared living space associated with the Communist Party, where multiple families occupied small rooms and depended on a single bathroom and toilet. She lived in that environment until the age of nine, after which her family relocated to Mumbai. Her recollections highlighted that both she and Javed rose from modest beginnings, making their present life not just a symbol of success, but a testament to resilience and perseverance.
