As legendary writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar celebrates his 81st birthday, his wife and veteran actor Shabana Azmi has offered a poignant look at the humble beginnings of a man who would eventually define the soul of Hindi cinema. Taking to Instagram, Shabana shared a throwback photo of a young Javed, recalling his arrival at Bombay Central Station on October 4, 1964. At just 19 years old, he stepped into the city of dreams with nothing but 27 naye paise in his pocket and an unwavering ambition to make his mark.
The early days in Mumbai were far from glamorous for the young poet. Shabana recounted the harsh reality of his struggle, noting that he spent his nights sleeping on footpaths, railway stations, and inside studio compounds. The hardships reached a breaking point during a particularly brutal stretch when he went without food for three days and was left with little more than the tattered clothes on his back. Despite being at the edge of total despair, Javed held onto a powerful mantra: “Main yunhi marne ke liye nahin paida hua tha. Yeh din badlenge” (I was not born just to die like this. These days will change).
True to his word, the tides eventually turned, transforming that penniless teenager into one of India’s most celebrated voices. Shabana emphasized that his life stands as a testament to perseverance, noting that the same man who once struggled for a meal has spent decades crafting some of the most memorable lyrics and scripts in Bollywood history. She encouraged her followers to draw inspiration from his journey, reminding them that even the most difficult beginnings can lead to extraordinary heights.
Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi, who married in 1984, first crossed paths at the home of her father, the renowned poet Kaifi Azmi. Before his marriage to Shabana, Javed was married to Honey Irani, with whom he shares two children, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and actor-director Farhan Akhtar. Today, the industry celebrates not just his birthday, but the indomitable spirit of a writer who turned his struggle into a legacy.