Javed Akhtar's early struggles in Mumbai recalled by Shabana Azmi

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has shared reflections on the early struggles of her husband, celebrated screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar, marking the anniversary of his arrival in Mumbai.

Azmi recalled that Akhtar arrived at Bombay Central Station on October 4, 1964, as a 19-year-old with only 27 naye paise. During his early years in the city, he faced extreme hardships, including sleeping on footpaths, at railway stations, and in studio compounds. Azmi noted a period when he went without food for three days and possessed very little clothing.

Despite these challenges, Akhtar remained determined, famously telling himself, “Main yunhi marne ke liye nahin paida nahin hua tha. Yeh din badlenge” (I wasn’t born just to die like this. These days will change). He eventually became a prominent figure in Hindi cinema, notably as part of the Salim-Javed screenwriting duo.

In a separate reflection on their relationship, Azmi recounted how Akhtar once encouraged her to stop feeling guilty or apologizing for her professional success, helping her recognize a pattern of overcompensating for her achievements within her family roles.