Javed Akhtar recently opened up about his battle with alcoholism, and reflected on how it consumed a significant part of his life. In a candid discussion on episode three of Chill Sesh, Akhtar shared his experiences and regrets, and offered a stark warning to young people about the dangers of excessive drinking.
Known for his prolific work in the Indian film industry, Javed Akhtar admitted that his struggles with alcohol had a profound impact on his personal and professional life. “I have wasted a lot of time drinking. I was a drunkard,” Akhtar confessed. He recalled how his dependency on alcohol led to numerous poor decisions and mistakes, many of which he regrets deeply.
The turning point in Akhtar's life came on July 31, 1991, when he decided to quit drinking. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I feel I have wasted a grand total of at least 10 years just drinking. I could have used that time for a much more positive and constructive purpose.” This realisation has driven him to advise young people against alcohol.
Javed Akhtar expressed particular regret about his failed marriage to actor-screenwriter Honey Irani, and acknowledged that his addiction played a significant role in their separation. “I regret the failure of my first marriage. It could have been saved. But it was my irresponsible attitude, my drinking,” he lamented. Akhtar and Irani were married in 1972 and divorced in 1985.
During his conversation, Akhtar described how alcohol influenced his behaviour, often leading to impulsive and irrational decisions. “When you are drunk, you take impulsive decisions, you start fighting about certain things which are not such big issues,” he explained. This behaviour strained his relationships and caused numerous personal and professional setbacks.
In an earlier interview with Be A Man, Yaar, Javed Akhtar had revealed that alcohol would turn him into a different person, one filled with anger and bitterness. “After drinking, I would become quite offensive, which I otherwise am not, nor ever was,” he said. He described how these bottled-up emotions would surface under the influence of alcohol, transforming him into someone unrecognisable.
Akhtar's second wife, Shabana Azmi, has also spoken about his struggles with alcoholism. In a conversation with Arbaaz Khan for The Invincibles, Azmi recalled how Akhtar knew that his addiction was a path to self-destruction. She shared that he realised he “won’t live for long” if he continued down that road.
Despite his past struggles, Javed Akhtar’s story is one of redemption and hope. By sharing his experiences, he aims to inspire others to avoid the pitfalls of alcoholism and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
