Javed Akhtar recalls telling Farhan, Zoya Akhtar that getting them married is not his responsibility: ‘I met his bride two days before the wedding, and my daughter chose not to marry’

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, who is also the father of acclaimed filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and actor-director Farhan Akhtar, recently shared a candid reflection on his parenting approach. Akhtar spoke about how he took a hands-off stance when it came to his children's personal decisions, particularly regarding marriage.During a recent talk at Alliance University, Javed recalled a conversation he had with Zoya and Farhan when they were teenagers—just after completing their 12th grade. He said he made it clear that, while he would support their academic or career ambitions, choosing a life partner would be entirely their own decision. “As a parent, I don’t think getting you married is my responsibility,” he stated.He explained that he told them they could expect his full support in arranging a reception or providing any other logistical help, but the decision of whom to marry was entirely theirs. He told them that if they did not know whom to marry, it meant they should not get married. He reiterated that choosing a person for them was not his responsibility.Javed also shared an anecdote about Farhan’s first marriage. He recalled that his son had informed him about the wedding barely a month before the big day. At the time, Farhan was preparing to launch his directorial debut, Dil Chahta Hai. “One day, he came and said, ‘On the 10th, I am marrying a girl.’ I had not met that girl. So I said, ‘Are you sure?’... I met her perhaps two days before the wedding. What difference does it make? It’s his life,” Javed said, referring to Farhan’s marriage to Adhuna Bhabani in 2000. The couple were together for over 15 years and have two daughters.Akhtar also spoke about his daughter Zoya’s decision to remain unmarried. He expressed complete acceptance of her choice, saying, “My daughter decided not to get married. That too doesn’t make any difference to me... She is happy.” He added that he is glad she is doing good work, has good friends, and leads a lovely life.