Honey Irani Speaks Candidly About Son Farhan Akhtar's Personal Journey
Veteran actress and screenwriter Honey Irani has offered rare insights into her son Farhan Akhtar's personal life, discussing his separation from first wife Adhuna Bhabani, his subsequent relationship with Shibani Dandekar, and the philosophical approach that has guided her as a mother through these significant transitions.
The End of a Sixteen-Year Marriage
Farhan Akhtar's marriage to celebrity hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani lasted sixteen years before the couple decided to part ways in 2017. The union produced two daughters, Shakya and Akira, who remain central to both parents' lives. Honey Irani reflected on this period with emotional honesty, acknowledging the difficulty it presented for the entire family network.
"It was sad for all of us — for Farhan and for Adhuna as well," Honey revealed in a recent conversation with journalist Vickey Lalwani. "But I feel, like I've said before, if something has to end, it's better this way than carrying on with frustration, hurt and resentment."
A Sudden and Unexpected Development
The separation came as a complete surprise to Honey Irani, who admitted she hadn't anticipated this turn of events in her son's marriage. "No, I didn't see it coming at all. It was quite sudden for me," she confessed. "I remember thinking, 'Oh, this has happened?' It was a shock."
While Farhan did inform his mother about the decision, Honey was away in Coonoor at the time. She explained, "He did tell me, but I was in Coonoor at the time. I was informed about it, and later when I came back, we all sat and spoke — from both sides. I met everyone." This family discussion helped process the emotional impact of the separation.
A New Chapter with Shibani Dandekar
Following his separation from Adhuna, Farhan Akhtar began dating television personality and singer Shibani Dandekar in 2018. The couple had first met three years earlier on the sets of the television show I Can Do That, where Farhan served as host and Shibani participated as a contestant.
Their relationship blossomed over nearly three years of dating before culminating in marriage on February 19, 2022. The couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony held in the picturesque hill station of Khandala, surrounded by close family and friends.
Warm Acceptance of a New Family Member
When asked about her daughter-in-law Shibani Dandekar, Honey Irani expressed nothing but admiration and affection. "She's superb — very nice and very friendly," she said warmly. "She's a lovely girl. Really, a lovely girl."
Interestingly, Honey revealed that Farhan didn't initially share details about his developing relationship with Shibani. "No, he didn't tell me earlier," she noted. "But them seeing each other was bound to come out at some point."
A Mother's Guiding Philosophy
Perhaps most revealing was Honey Irani's explanation of her parenting approach when it comes to her children's personal decisions. She articulated a clear, compassionate philosophy that prioritizes happiness above societal expectations.
"My only mantra in life is: if you are happy, I am happy," Honey stated emphatically. "I don't care about anybody else. That's it. If the child is happy, what more do you want? If the mother is happy, what more do you want? It doesn't matter what people will say, what they will think. Never think about that. Do what makes you happy. Just don't hurt anybody."
This straightforward yet profound perspective has evidently guided her through the complexities of her son's marital transitions, allowing her to support Farhan's choices while maintaining family harmony.
The Broader Context of Bollywood Relationships
Honey Irani's candid revelations come at a time when conversations about marriage, separation, and blended families are becoming increasingly open in Indian society, particularly within the entertainment industry. Her emphasis on personal happiness over social conformity reflects a shifting attitude toward relationships and family dynamics.
The interview provides a rare glimpse into how Bollywood families navigate personal challenges that often play out in the public eye, demonstrating that even celebrity households face the same emotional complexities as any other family.
