Shabana Azmi on starring with Javed Akhtar in new advertisement for a diamond brand, “We decided to say whatever came to our hearts” : Bollywood News

As Shabana and Javed Akhtar complete over forty years of marriage, a new advertisement for a diamond brand features them as their real selves, discussing their marriage and familial backgrounds.

Shabana Azmi on starring with Javed Akhtar in new advertisement for a diamond brand, “We decided to say whatever came to our hearts”

Shabana Azmi on starring with Javed Akhtar in new advertisement for a diamond brand, “We decided to say whatever came to our hearts”Said Shabana, “We improvised our lines during the shooting. We did have our pre-written lines. But we decided to say whatever came to our hearts. It is interesting how similar our backgrounds are.”

Comparing Javed saab to her father the legendary Kaifi Azmi, Shabana said, “Javed is exactly like my father. Like Abba, Javed is a feminist. My father had this complete dependence on domestic matters on my mother. Even I’ve to buy all the clothes and shoes for Javed. Likewise, the tailor who stitched my father’s kurta-pyjamas never saw his face. Neither Abba nor Javed have seen the kitchen in the house. Nor can they fix anything around the house. But both can do anything if they set their heart on it.”

Shabana inspires Javed in unexpected ways. She recounted, “Once during dinner, he was spilling soup on his kurta. When I admonished him, he came up with these lines instantly to the tune of ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar’ from the film Hum Dono: “Jo is tarha se khaoge/Toh kitna tum giraoge/Safed yeh Qameez hai/Kahan tumhe tameez hai/Jo soup ispe gir gaya/Toh jaante ho hoga kya/Yeh daag dhul na payega/Jo dhoyega batayega/Ki saabun ispe ghis diya/Yeh Daag par mita nahi/Jo tum kharaab na karo/Woh kapda hi bana nahi.”

Laughed Shabana, “Only Javed Akhtar can be playful and poetic at the same time. See, this is what has kept our marriage going: a mutual sense of humour. We don’t sit around gazing into each other’s eyes reciting poetry. There is too much to do. We are constantly travelling apart for our separate commitments. Once we literally met at the airport before taking separate connecting flights. Javed had asked for some fresh clothes, which I quickly handed over before rushing for my flight. The long separations make us more appreciative of our time together at home.”

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