Farhan Akhtar, the acclaimed actor, director, and writer, recently opened up about the personal impact of divorce in his life. Coming from a family of renowned personalities, Farhan has seen the effects of separation up close. His father, the celebrated lyricist Javed Akhtar, was married twice—first to Honey Irani, with whom he had two children, Farhan and Zoya Akhtar, and later to actress Shabana Azmi. Javed and Honey’s divorce had a profound impact on Farhan, shaping his views on relationships and marriage.
A Difficult Childhood Experience
In a candid interview with Faye D’Souza, Farhan Akhtar shared his thoughts on how his parents’ separation affected him as a child. He revealed that their divorce was not easy for him to understand or accept, especially during a time when divorces were not as common in society. Farhan recalled how the separation of his parents became a source of sadness and anger for him, especially when other children at school used it to taunt him. He admitted that hearing things like, “But your father left your mother,” was particularly painful and left a lasting mark on his psyche.
The Influence on His Own Marriage
Farhan’s childhood experience with his parents’ divorce played a significant role in his approach to his own marriage and eventual separation from his first wife, Adhuna Bhabani. He explained that one of the reasons he struggled with the idea of divorce was his desire to protect his children from the same pain he had experienced. Farhan and Adhuna have two daughters, Shakya and Akira, and he was deeply concerned about how their divorce might affect them.
Farhan emphasized the importance of open communication with his children during this difficult time. He and Adhuna made it a point to sit down with their daughters and explain the situation to them, making sure they understood that the divorce was not their fault. Farhan wanted to ensure that his children knew that the decision to separate was made by the adults involved and had nothing to do with them.
Living with the Weight of Divorce
Despite taking these steps, Farhan confessed that the decision to divorce and its impact on his children is something that will stay with him for the rest of his life. He continues to grapple with feelings of guilt and concern, questioning whether his children deserved to go through such an experience. Farhan acknowledged that the memories of his own childhood, shaped by his parents’ divorce, continue to influence how he feels about his decisions today.
Farhan Akhtar’s reflections offer a poignant insight into the emotional complexities of divorce, not just for those directly involved, but for the entire family. His candid discussion about the lasting effects of his parents’ separation and his own divorce highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and communication in navigating these challenging situations.
