Source: NDTV
Introduction
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently offered a candid glimpse into his personal life during an appearance on the interview program Lets Talk With DevnaG. The renowned artist discussed the upbringing of his children, acclaimed filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar, sharing how they navigated their formative years without religious indoctrination.
Among the various recollections from his family's past, Akhtar highlighted a particularly curious moment when his son Farhan, then just seven or eight years old, approached him with a direct question regarding their religious identity. The conversation underscores a deliberate parenting philosophy maintained by Akhtar and his former wife, Honey Irani, during a period that ultimately shaped their children into self-made creative powerhouses.
What Happened
During the interview, Akhtar explained that he intentionally chose not to impart any formal religious upbringing to his children while they were growing up. He noted that while many children typically acquire a designated religious identity by the time they reach age eleven or twelve through outside influences or parental guidance, his household operated entirely without these boundaries.
Recalling the specific incident, Akhtar described how a young Farhan returned home from school one day with his backpack still on his shoulders, clearly troubled by a pressing thought. The boy confronted his father with the blunt inquiry, "Are we Muslims?" In response, Akhtar redirected his son's perspective away from communal labels entirely. He told the young boy that while everyone is born in a specific geographical location—such as Pune, Mumbai, Agra, Ahmedabad, London, or New York—and belongs to a community by default, the specific birthplace or community label holds no true significance. Instead, Akhtar emphasized to his children that an individual's character and personal identity matter above all else.
Background
The veteran screenwriter also directed substantial praise toward his first wife, Honey Irani, acknowledging her pivotal role in raising Zoya and Farhan during their critical developmental years. When Akhtar and Irani separated, Zoya was approximately eleven years old while Farhan was around nine and a half.
Akhtar credited Irani with instilling essential life lessons in their children, including an understanding of personal freedom, responsibility, and fundamental values. According to the lyricist, Irani carefully guided them on behavioral boundaries, teaching them how to discern acceptable morals from inappropriate behaviors and ensuring they understood the importance of independent thinking. He asserted that Irani deserves the vast majority of the credit for nurturing their personal development during those formative milestones.
Timeline
| Event or Period | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage to Honey Irani | |
| Birth of Children | |
| Farhan's Childhood Query | |
| Separation from Honey Irani | |
| Marriage to Shabana Azmi |
Key Details
Akhtar expressed immense pride in the professional accomplishments and independent trajectories of both his children. He emphasized that Zoya and Farhan achieved their current success strictly through their own hard work, noting that their achievements came with no assistance from their parents.
The multifaceted artist has been married to veteran actress Shabana Azmi since 1984. Prior to that union, he was married to screenwriter Honey Irani until the couple parted ways in 1985, sharing two children together.
Impact
Akhtar's recent remarks shed light on progressive parenting approaches within prominent Indian artistic families, generating public interest in how creative environments influence youth development. By sharing personal anecdotes from his children's upbringing, the screenwriter highlights the enduring influence of values-based rather than dogmatic domestic education.
What Happens Next
No future developments, upcoming projects, or further statements regarding this family discussion were mentioned in the original report.
