Indian writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar, while speaking about his marriage to actress Shabana Azmi, stated that friendship comes first, and marriage is a pointless concept.
In an interview with Indian media, Javed Akhtar said, “Every relationship is based on mutual respect. Marriage is just a concept. Shabana and I were good friends before we got married. I married Shabana in 1984, five years after my first marriage with Honey Irani ended.”
He added, “To be honest, my marriage with Shabana happened with great difficulty. We are friends, and for me, friendship is far more important for a marriage. Marriage, in itself, is a futile concept. It’s an age-old tradition that has been rolling down the mountains for centuries, collecting moss, dirt, and dung along the way.”
Javed Akhtar remarked, “The words ‘wife’ and ‘husband’ carry different meanings for me. Two people, regardless of their gender, cannot be happy together if they do not respect each other. A relationship like marriage requires mutual respect, thoughtfulness, and giving each other space. It’s crucial to understand that every individual, including your partner, is a person in their own right.”
He further emphasized, “One thing is certain: without respect, love is a deception. Let me tell you, an independent woman with her ambitions, career, and opinions is not always easy to live with. You have to accept that the person living with you is not your servant.”
