Javed Akhtar had ‘massive ego', was dismissive and patronising towards first wife Honey Irani: ‘Tum nahi samjhogi'

Indian Express

14-06-2025

In a candid interview with Filmfare, veteran writer and former actor Honey Irani opened up about her time with acclaimed screenwriter Javed Akhtar during the peak of his legendary partnership with Salim Khan. The iconic duo was known as Salim-Javed. At a time when they were ruling mainstream Hindi cinema, Honey had a front-row seat to both their creative genius and the power dynamics that came with success. When asked if Javed Akhtar had any sort of ego during that period, Honey didn't hesitate. In fact, she pushed back at the question itself: 'Any sort of? He had a massive ego.'
Reflecting on those days, she said, 'Massive, massive ego. He used to say, 'You don't know what you're talking about,' or 'Tum nahi samjhogi (You won't understand)'.' She continued, 'He was patronising with other people too. When someone would try to advise them saying, 'Sir, aapko aise baat nahi karni chahiye… ya aapko yeh kar lena chahiye…' (Sir, you shouldn't speak like this, or you should do this instead). They would respond like, 'Don't tell us what to do, we know.' So they had that, they had arrogance. And I have seen that.'
Also Read | Salim Khan recalls the moment when Javed Akhtar wanted to end their partnership: 'I stopped and said I can look after myself'
When asked whether she ever confronted Javed Akhtar about this behaviour, she replied, 'Bolte toh thay hum… par agar woh sune toh. He would just say, 'Haan, you're right. Absolutely right (I used to tell him. But only if he listened. He would just say, 'Yes, you're right. Absolutely right)'.' However, Honey was quick to point out how much he has evolved over the years. 'Now he is just the opposite. Especially with the way he gets along with youngsters — it's amazing, really.'
In the same conversation, Honey Irani also shared her thoughts on some of the iconic films penned by Salim-Javed. While she appreciated many of their scripts, a few didn't resonate with her. Films such as Immaan Dharam and Shaan, didn't particularly appeal to her. Still, she recognised the immense stature the duo held in the industry back then, noting that offering them feedback wasn't really an option. Their influence and pride left little room for critique.
Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani were married for 11 years before parting ways in 1985. In past interviews, Javed Akhtar has openly spoken about how his struggle with alcohol addiction strained their relationship. He admitted that he was heavily addicted to alcohol for nearly 20 years, which took a toll on both his personal and professional life. In the same interview with Filmfare, Honey Irani reflected on their marriage, saying they were very young and, in her words, 'extremely foolish' at the time. She admitted she knew early on that the marriage wasn't going to work. Irani also clarified that their separation had nothing to do with Javed's second wife, Shabana Azmi.