EXCLUSIVE: Shabana Azmi credits Honey Irani for having a beautiful relationship with Farhan and Zoya Akhtar; says, “She encouraged them to come with us”

Shabana Azmi is a timeless beauty and she continues to rule hearts even today. Be it her acting prowess or classy looks, the diva never ceases to grab attention. But every star sees the highs and lows in their life and there was no exception for the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani actress. Apart from her professional lows, she also faced turmoil in her personal life when she started dating writer Javed Akhtar when he was married to Honey Irani and had kids Farhan and Zoya Akhtar. In an exclusive chat with Arbaaz Khan on The Invincibles season 2, Shabana Azmi speaks about her marriage and bond with Farhan and Zoya Akhtar.

Shabana Azmi on being friendly with Farhan Akhtar and Zoya

In the interview, when Shabana was asked about her beautiful bond with Farhan and Zoya. She said, “I feel very happy because I have a very beautiful relationship with them and I give credit to Honey. They were young kids at that time and it was the easiest thing for Honey to take them away. She never did that and encouraged them to come with us. Aur maine kya kiya ki maine shuru mein unko overwhelm karne ki koshish nahi ki. Realize hua tha ki isme waqt lagega and that I must give them that time. (What I did was initially I didn’t overwhelm them. I realized things will take time and gave them that space).”

She further added, “But I really doff my hat to Honey because that generosity came from her. And today even with Honey we have a really good relationship and I know that Honey has this confidence that if she were to need Javed or his advice even in the middle of the night, she can call him and he will come.”

On being comfortable with Honey Irani and Javed Akhtar being in touch

During the chat, Arbaaz Khan also asked Shabana Ji if she was okay with her husband being in touch with his ex-wife. To this she remarks, “Isme hum teeno ko credit jaata hai. Humne ye tay kiya ki isme kadwahat nahi honi chahiye. Of course initially Honey felt rejected and bitter but Javed kept at it. And today what has come from it is something I am really proud of. Magar log jo hai na jab iss tarah ka separation hota hai toh duniyabhar ki baatein karte hai aur aap yeh chahte hai ki apne aap ko save karein. (When such a separation happens, the society talks a lot about it and you try to protect yourself from such noises).”

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She added, “Lekin uss waqt maine tay kiya ki mai kuch nahi bolungi aur fir yeh apne aap khatam hojayega. Yeh decision nahi aata agar javed ne mujhe support nahi kiya hota toh. (But at that time I had decided to not speak about it and eventually it all stopped. I could take such a step as Javed supported me).” Then after that because these kids were very young then they started growing and becoming friends with me. And today I think they feel more comfortable with me than their father. Especially when they are exasperated with him, they come and talk to me.“

Shabana Azmi also admitted, “It’s a difficult situation to be in. Because all the three people involved in it go through a lot. And at that time you have to close your ears to whatever the world is saying.”

Shabana Azmi with Javed Akhtar, Honey Irani, Farhan and Shibani

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About Javed Akhtar’s marriage

For those unversed, Javed Akhtar was married to former child artiste and writer Honey Irani in 1972. They have two children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. Their relationship fell apart around 1980 and they parted ways. Javed then fell in love with Shabana Azmi and they got married in 1984.

Watch the full interview here:

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Arbaaz Khan on mother Salma Khan’s relationship with stepmom Helen: They had their own struggles