In a candid revelation, veteran actress and screenwriter Honey Irani has addressed the frequent curiosity surrounding her ability to maintain a cordial and warm relationship with her former husband, celebrated lyricist Javed Akhtar, and his wife, acclaimed actor Shabana Azmi, even decades after their separation. Speaking openly in a recent interview, Honey emphasized that harboring bitterness serves no constructive purpose once two individuals decide to part ways.
Embracing Positivity After Separation
Honey Irani firmly believes that anger and resentment are futile emotions following a separation. "If you've separated, then why sit with anger?" she questioned, adding that past events are now "under the bridge." For her, the end of a marriage does not equate to labeling anyone as inherently bad. "That doesn't mean someone is a bad human being. I have a lot of respect for both Javed sahab and Shabana," she shared, highlighting her commitment to preserving mutual respect over grudges.
A Bond Forged Through Humor and Intelligence
Recalling her initial encounter with Javed Akhtar, Honey described how his sharp sense of humor instantly captivated her. "The first moment I met him was when he was narrating my lines on set. I was rehearsing, and he was explaining my character's background. The first thing that attracted me towards Javed sahab was his sense of humour. He was very funny," she reminisced. Having known Salim Khan since childhood, she felt comfortable in that environment, which allowed their connection to deepen.
"We used to sit together between shots, talk and laugh. That's when I realised how intelligent Javed sahab was. You could talk to him about any topic. His knowledge was very attractive," Honey added. Interestingly, humor became the common thread that drew them together, with Javed often attributing his attraction to Honey's own comedic sensibilities. "He always says he was attracted to me because of my sense of humour. Maybe humour pulled us towards each other," she reflected.
An Unconventional Proposal
Honey fondly recounted the unexpected manner in which Javed Akhtar proposed to her. "He proposed, but not directly for marriage," she explained, detailing how their off-set meetings blossomed into something more. "One day he was playing cards and losing. I picked a card for him and it turned out right. He won back his money and said, 'Come on, you're very lucky for me, let's get married.' That's how he proposed." Within six to seven months, the couple was married, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in their lives.
Prioritizing Family Over Career Ambitions
Explaining her decision to step away from acting after marriage, Honey revealed that she never harbored an obsessive passion for the craft. "I was around 19 during Seeta Aur Geeta and got married immediately. I never had that kind of craze for acting. I was happy settling down," she stated. This personal choice was further influenced by the rapid arrival of children and Javed's flourishing career.
"I wanted to do something behind the scenes, but children happened very quickly. Javed's career was doing very well. There were people coming home all the time, like a mela. Time just passed. No regrets," Honey shared, expressing contentment with her life choices and the path she embraced.
Navigating Challenges and Separation
Reflecting on the factors that led to the dissolution of their marriage, Honey acknowledged that there wasn't a single reason but a combination of circumstances. "If I analyse now, there were many reasons. Everything was happening very fast. Success came very quickly, and with success, people and surroundings change. Demands change. Maybe I couldn't handle it," she admitted. Additionally, she found it increasingly difficult to cope with Javed Akhtar's escalating drinking habits, which altered his personality.
"He drank earlier too, but later it became much more. After drinking, he became a completely different person. I couldn't cope with that," Honey revealed. Despite these challenges, she clarified that the decision to separate was mutual and amicable. "It was both our decision because it wasn't working at all. Instead of fighting and blaming each other, it was better to separate. It was the most sensible decision," she asserted.
Building a Friendship with Shabana Azmi
Honey Irani also opened up about her evolving relationship with Shabana Azmi, admitting that it required time and effort from both sides. "It took many years. Children were involved; they kept moving here and there. Both of us made efforts from our respective sides," she explained. Today, their bond has matured into a genuine friendship, characterized by mutual respect and shared moments.
"Now we are good friends. We attend each other's birthday parties and even travel together. Everything is fine now," Honey said, underscoring the importance of moving forward without lingering animosity. Her story serves as a testament to the power of maturity, respect, and humor in navigating complex relationships within the dynamic world of Bollywood.
