Honey Irani Spills the beans : Drinking Javed, Second wife Shabana & Life of Farhan 

After drinking, he became a completely different person

Veteran actor and acclaimed screenwriter Honey Irani has spoken with rare honesty about some of the most defining moments of her personal life — her marriage and divorce with lyricist Javed Akhtar, the emotional maturity that followed their separation, and how those experiences shaped her outlook as a mother to Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. Her reflections offer a nuanced look at relationships, co-parenting and healing, away from sensationalism and blame.

A love story rooted in humour and creativity

Honey Irani and Javed Akhtar’s relationship began on the sets of Seeta Aur Geeta in the early 1970s. She has often recalled that what drew them together was not grand romance, but humour and intellect. Javed’s sharp wit and knowledge left a strong impression on the young actor, while he, too, admired her sense of humour.

Their now-famous proposal happened casually during a game of cards. When Honey picked a winning card for him, Javed jokingly said, “You are so lucky for me, I think I should marry you.” What started as a light-hearted remark soon turned into a life-changing decision. After dating for seven to eight months, the two got married, with Honey tying the knot at just 19.

Marriage, motherhood and changing equations

The couple welcomed two children — Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar — and for a time, shared a creative and personal partnership. However, as Honey has explained in multiple interviews, rapid success, changing surroundings and personal struggles gradually altered their relationship.

She has openly spoken about how Javed Akhtar’s increasing alcohol consumption affected their marriage and how success brought new pressures. With maturity and hindsight, Honey describes their divorce as a mutual and sensible decision. Rather than continuing a relationship filled with conflict, they chose separation to preserve dignity and peace.

Importantly, she has consistently clarified that their separation was never because of Shabana Azmi. According to Honey, the marriage had already reached a breaking point due to internal issues, long before anyone else entered the picture.

Mutual respect after separation

Despite their divorce being finalised in the mid-1980s, Honey Irani and Javed Akhtar have maintained mutual respect over the years. Honey has often said that she trusted Javed completely when it came to their children and was confident he would never do anything to harm them emotionally.

Her equation with Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar’s wife, also evolved over time. Honey admitted it took years for that bond to form, largely because children were involved. Eventually, effort from both sides led to understanding and friendship. Shabana, too, has publicly acknowledged how gracefully Honey handled a deeply painful phase.

Their story stands out in an industry where fractured relationships often turn bitter, proving that separation does not have to erase respect.

Farhan Akhtar’s divorce and a mother’s response

Honey Irani has also spoken candidly about her son Farhan Akhtar’s divorce from Adhuna Bhabani in 2017 after 16 years of marriage. She described the phase as “sad for all of us” and admitted that she did not see it coming at all. The news came as a shock, and she made it a point to speak to both sides, offering understanding rather than judgement.

Farhan’s later marriage to Shibani Dandekar brought a new chapter, one Honey speaks of warmly. Describing Shibani as “superb, very nice and very friendly,” she has expressed genuine affection and acceptance, reinforcing her belief that happiness should be prioritised over public opinion.

‘If you are happy, I am happy’

At the core of Honey Irani’s outlook is a simple philosophy shaped by lived experience. As a mother, she believes that her children’s happiness matters more than societal expectations.

Her mantra — “If you are happy, I am happy” — reflects emotional maturity, not indifference. She emphasises choosing peace over resentment, honesty over drama, and healing over blame. Mental health professionals echo this sentiment, noting that mutual respect after separation plays a crucial role in emotional recovery and provides stability for children.

A journey defined by grace

From a young bride navigating sudden adulthood to a single mother rebuilding her life and career as a screenwriter, Honey Irani’s journey has been one of resilience. She has often credited Javed Akhtar for encouraging her writing talent, even after their separation — a detail that underscores the mutual regard they continue to share.

In an industry obsessed with scandal, Honey Irani’s story stands out for its quiet strength. It is not a tale of perfect relationships, but of accountability, emotional regulation and the courage to move on without bitterness — lessons that resonate far beyond Bollywood.