An iconic couple of Hindi cinema Shabana Azmi And Javed Akhtar celebrated 40 years of marriage this year. Despite their different approaches to cinema, Shabana recently shared how their mutual respect and understanding has been the cornerstone of their relationship. While Javed is known for writing the most iconic mainstream hits like Sholay and Deewar, Shabana is known for her memorable performances in parallel cinema.
In a recent interaction, Shabana admitted that even though they come from different creative worlds, they motivate each other to take on challenging projects. Speaking at an actors’ roundtable organized by The Hollywood Reporter, she said, “We exchange ideas and it’s a lot easier because he’s in the same business as me. But we come from two different schools. For example, I had a problem with Javed in building a house. I wondered why he is building a haveli when I want a weekend cottage, but my friend said he will always think of Sholay and I will always think of Ankur. So it happens that when I want to make something, he wants to expand it. But I also criticize him a lot so when I praise him, he is really happy.
Shabana Azmi also spoke about how Javed Akhtar’s encouragement played an important role in shaping her career choice. He credits her for motivating him to take on Deepa Mehta’s challenging and controversial film Fire. She said, “Since we have the same worldview, it often affects the roles we take on. I remember when I was offered Fire, I was in two minds because gay love wasn’t even talked about at that time. Javed told me that I like the script and I will defend it. Asked if I was able. I said ‘Yes’ and he said, ‘Go ahead.’ It gave me courage.”
Shabana ended the conversation on a humorous note, recalling Javed’s witty reaction to her role in Makadi, where she played a witch. Sharing a fun memory, she said. “But before you think that Javed Akhtar is only talking about beautiful things, let me tell you that when I was doing Makadi, in which I played a witch, I tried all kinds of make-up for that character. He saw me in all those things. He asked me, ‘What are you doing?’ I said, ‘I’m playing a witch.’ Then he said, ‘Then take off all your make-up.’ (Laughs) We don’t take each other seriously. We don’t believe in each other’s myths. “
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