EXCLUSIVE: Javed Akhtar recalls his alcohol addiction days and the reason why he decided to quit

Veteran screenwriter, author and lyricist Javed Akhtar has been vocal about his addiction to alcohol previously. He also spoken at length about his experiences as a reformed alcoholic. The veteran screenwriter appeared as the second guest on The Invincibles hosted by producer-actor Arbaaz Khan. Speaking exclusively on Bollywood Bubble, Akhtar opened up about his alcohol addiction days.

Javed Akhtar on his alcohol addiction

The lyricist spoke at length and revealed the reason why he decided to quit alcohol one fine day. He recalled the days when he would consume alcohol in much quantity and shared why he did so. On his alcohol addiction, Javed Akhtar said he decided to quit on day because he didn’t want to die.

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When Arbaaz Khan asked Akhtar why he decided to quit alcohol one fine day, he said, “Dekhiye, ek baat mujhe sharab chodne ke kahi saal pehle samjh mein aa gayi thi. Main isliye peeta tha ki main enjoy karunga (See, I understood one thing many years before I decided to quit alcohol. I consumed alcohol because I enjoyed it).”

He added, “It was a pleasure. I was drowning any sorrow in it.”

Akhtar continued, “Magar mujhe ek baat samjh mein aayi. Common sense kehta hai ki 52-53 tak mujhe mar jaana chahiye, agar this how I drink. Iske upar umar meri jaani nahi chahiye, with this kind of drinking (But I understood one thing. Common sense says, if I would continue with drinking, I would die at 52-53. With this kind of drinking, my age would be limited).“

Akhtar recalls the day he quit alcohol

The veteran lyricist said, “Aur 31st July, 1991 mein, I consumed one big bottle of Bacardi. Aur pehli taareq se ab tak, maine kabhi jaise toast karte hai, aise, maine champagne bhi nahi lagayi. Will power koi cheez hi nahi hai. It is the intensity of desire. (On July 31, 1991, I consumed one big bottle of Bacardi. And, from the first of next month, even if I hold a glass of champagne for a toast, I don’t consume it. Will power is not a thing. It is the intensity of desire).“

Akhtar further shared, “Mera basic addiction living hai. Isse jyada strong addiction koi hai hi nahi. I just don’t want to die. Agar mera bas chale toh main kabhi maru hi nahi. (My basic addiction is to live. There is no stronger addiction than that. I just don’t want to die. If it is in my power, I would never want to die.)“

Take a look at the full conversation below:

Meanwhile, during the interview, the lyricist also spoke about his decision to marry Shabana Azmi, his fallout with Salim Khan and lots more.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Javed Akhtar on marrying Shabana Azmi: Living with an independent strong-minded woman is not a bed of roses