Javed Akhtar recalls Farhan Akhtar asking him 'are we Muslim' when he was 8 years old, credits former wife Honey Irani for his and Zoya Akhtar's upbringing: 'They are totally areligious'
- Posted on September 3, 2026
- By The Times of India
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
Celebrated screenwriter Javed Akhtar discusses his parenting philosophy and the significant role his ex-wife Honey Irani played in raising Farhan and Zoya Akhtar. The veteran filmmaker reflects on a formative childhood moment when young Farhan questioned their religious identity, revealing how both children were raised with secular values and independent thinking. Akhtar emphasizes that while providing guidance, his children's professional accomplishments in cinema stem entirely from their own talent and dedication rather than family privilege.
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Javed Akhtar recalls Farhan Akhtar asking him 'are we Muslim' when he was 8 years old, credits former wife Honey Irani for his and Zoya Akhtar's upbringing: 'They are totally areligious'
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has opened up about his children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, and reflected on their upbringing, values and professional journeys. In a recent interview, Javed gave much of the credit for their formative years to his former wife, Honey Irani, while maintaining that both Farhan and Zoya built their careers through their own efforts.
