Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar and actor Shabana Azmi recently opened the doors to their serene Khandala home, offering audiences a rare and personal glimpse into a space that reflects decades of work,
struggle and quiet success. The moment came during a visit by filmmaker Farah Khan, who featured the bungalow on her vlog. Farah shares a close family bond with Akhtar, who was once married to her maternal aunt, writer Honey Irani.
Nestled amid thick greenery, the Khandala retreat is aptly named Sukoon. Surrounded by towering trees and calm landscapes, the property feels far removed from the chaos of Mumbai. The expansive garden is one of the home’s most striking features, complete with white marble statues placed thoughtfully across the lawn and a fountain that sits at its heart.
Inside Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi’s Khandala retreat
As Farah walks viewers inside, the home reveals a warm, old-world charm. The foyer opens into a high wooden ceiling that gives the bungalow a classic, almost timeless feel. The interiors are understated, with vintage furniture that speaks more of comfort than display.
The drawing room, a highlight of the tour, reflects the couple’s shared love for travel and art. Artefacts collected from across the world line the space, each carrying a story. Javed Akhtar, in his trademark dry humour, jokes that some of the pieces are “as old as Farah Khan herself.” Large windows and doors allow natural light to flood the room, blurring the line between the indoors and the surrounding greenery.
A massive wooden dining table anchors the home’s communal space. Outside, the backyard features simple wooden seating crafted directly from tree trunks, adding to the home’s raw and grounded aesthetic. This open space holds deep emotional value for the family, as it was here that Farhan Akhtar married Shibani Dandekar.
Javed Akhtar’s early years
During the tour, Farah touches upon Javed Akhtar’s early years in Mumbai, a time marked by uncertainty and hardship. Akhtar speaks candidly about those days, recalling moments when he slept on footpaths and went without food for two or three days. Reflecting on owning a home like Sukoon today, he says, “Sometimes, I wonder if this is happening to me? Only those people have a fantasy who don’t have anything in life.”
Shabana Azmi reveals that the property was bought around 15 years ago, and it was a 150-year-old tree on the land that convinced them to go ahead with the purchase. However, building the house was not without disagreements. “I was thinking of making this into a weekend cottage then I got to know that he is building a lavish bungalow here. We used to fight daily about this,” she admits.
The debates ended after a friend offered advice that stayed with her: “Javed Akhtar is Sholay and you are Ankur. You both will never meet and you have to leave Ankur and let him make Sholay.”
