Javed Akhtar’s brother Salman Akhtar on why they don’t talk to each other: ‘There are a lot of things that happen…’

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Javed Akhtar’s brother Salman Akhtar on why they don't talk to each other: 'There are a lot of things that happen...'

As a lifelong admirer of the Akhtar brothers’ extraordinary talent in literature and filmmaking, their estrangement has always been a mystery that leaves me saddened yet intrigued. Having grown up with their enchanting stories and poems filling our hearts and minds, the thought of their personal discord feels like a bitter pill to swallow.

Many people are familiar with the fact that renowned lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar has a younger sibling named Salman Akhtar, who is both an author and a psychoanalyst. Despite this familial bond, there have been ongoing disagreements that have caused a rift in their relationship, preventing them from maintaining contact with one another. In a recent interview, Salman shared insights into their conflict and expressed hope for potential reconciliation between them.

In an interview with The Lallantop, Salman Akhtar discussed including his elder brother Javed Akhtar in his book “Ghar Ka Bhedi,” even though they aren’t on speaking terms. When asked about this, the psychoanalyst explained that although he writes about Sigmund Freud, Donald Winnicott, and Faiz, he has never personally met any of them. He added that writing about Javed, despite not having met him, doesn’t contradict his viewpoint, as both situations are possible for him.

As for the possibility of reconciling with Zoya and Farhan Akhtar’s father, Javed Saab, I believe that if given the opportunity, it would be a wise decision since I am fundamentally a good person at heart. Despite our years apart, there seems to be an unspoken bond between us that keeps us connected on some level.

In a candid conversation, he opened up about the intricate and multilayered disagreement that has been preventing them from maintaining contact. He explained that the situation involves many delicate emotions and intricate details, things that are better kept private rather than discussed openly. However, he emphasized that the National Award-winning lyricist is a highly intellectual, insightful, and witty individual, as well as a talented poet.

Despite not having spoken in years, the siblings maintain a deep, unspoken bond, according to Salman Akhtar. He went on to explain that whether they meet or not, their relationship is strong intuitively. In his words, they understand each other exceptionally well, and he knows exactly what will make the screenwriter laugh because of this intuitive understanding. “Our connection transcends language and physical interaction,” Salman Akhtar summarized.

Last month, director Namrata Rao unveiled a docu-series, Angry Young Men, depicting the life, success, struggles, and breakup of legendary screenwriters of 1970s, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar.

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2024-09-28 21:22