Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 9: Veteran actress Shabana Azmi celebrated 41 years of marriage to renowned poet and screenwriter Javed Akhtar with a touching Instagram post that captured the warmth and affection still shared between the two after four decades together.

Shabana posted a photograph of herself gazing lovingly into Akhtar’s eyes as he listened with a gentle smile. Expressing gratitude for their enduring bond, she captioned the post: “To be able to look at each other with such tenderness after 41 years of marriage says it all… Happy Anniversary Jadu.”

The couple’s relationship began at the home of Shabana’s father, legendary poet Kaifi Azmi. At the time, Javed Akhtar was married to Honey Irani and had two children — Farhan and Zoya Akhtar. Despite resistance from Shabana’s family, the pair married in 1984.

Today, Shabana shares an amicable relationship with her stepchildren. On her 75th birthday in September, Farhan Akhtar shared a warm, humorous message on social media, accompanied by a picture of the two together. His post wished her a year filled with “deep, meaningful conversation and frivolous antaksharis,” playfully urging her to avoid cucumber sandwiches.

Shabana often shares cherished moments with Akhtar online, offering fans glimpses into their life together. This past Diwali, the couple was seen celebrating with Shabana’s close-knit “girl gang,” which included Konkona Sen Sharma, Vidya Balan, Dia Mirza, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Shahana Goswami, Divya Dutta, and Tannishtha Chatterjee.

Their anniversary celebration and continued warmth serve as a testament to a partnership that has endured challenges, criticism, and time — only to grow stronger with each passing year.