'Sometimes, I Wonder If…': Javed Akhtar Recalls Sleeping On Footpaths And Going Hungry For Days

Farah Khan’s cooking vlogs with cook Dilip have been loved by many, and for her newest vlog, she has reached Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi’s Khandala mansion. This is the first time the veteran couple has given a peek into their luxurious mansion. In the vlog, Shabana and Javed were seen discussing several things with Farah when the veteran lyricist recalled his struggling days and how he had slept on footpaths.

During their chat, Farah Khan spoke about how Javed Akhtar had spent nights on footpaths without food for days and asked the veteran lyricist how he feels to now own a lavish property. Reacting to it, Akhtar shared, “Sometimes, I wonder if this is happening to me? Only those people have a fantasy who don’t have anything in life. I wrote

the poem Bhook when I did not eat for three days straight.” He added, “You can live in big houses in your life, but there is always that one small room in your life that you always remember.”

Shabana Azmi, too, came from a modest background, and her journey to become one of the biggest names in the industry hasn’t been easy. Recalling her early life, Azmi shared, “I have come from a modest family. I used to live in a commune of the communist party. It had eight small rooms, and eight families used to live in each of those rooms. All eight families shared one bathroom and one toilet. I stayed there till I was nine years old, and then we moved to Mumbai.”

About Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar’s Khandala Mansion

While Shabana and Javed have both had their share of struggles and tough days, they have individually achieved immense success in their careers. While Akhtar has given some of the biggest films and hit songs, Shabana, with her acting, has left an undeniable mark on the hearts of her fans.

Now, years of struggle and hard work have turned their dreams into reality. Javed and Shabana now own multiple properties, one of which is their luxurious Khandala mansion. The house opens up to a large garden filled with tall, green trees. The garden has marble statues and a fountain in the middle. Entering the home, you step into a big foyer with a high wooden ceiling, giving it the feel of a cozy English bungalow. Inside, vintage furniture adds a touch of classic charm.