Javed Akhtar Recalls Drinking 18 Bottles Of Beer In One Sitting: 'Became Allergic To Whiskey So...'

Javed Akhtar opens up about drinking 18 bottles of beer in one sitting, his struggle with alcohol addiction, and how it impacted his marriage and career. He shares how quitting alcohol changed his life.

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has long been candid about his battle with alcohol addiction. In a recent interview, he opened up once again, shedding light on how his drinking habits took a toll on both his personal and professional life.

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Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has long been candid about his battle with alcohol addiction. In a recent interview, he opened up once again, shedding light on how his drinking habits took a toll on both his personal and professional life.

In a conversation with Mid-Day, Akhtar recalled a time when he would drink heavily, even in solitude. “I got allergic to whiskey. Then, I thought I should only drink beer. However, I used to drink 18 bottles of beer in one sitting. Then I thought, ‘Why am I bloating my belly with beer?’ So I quit beer and started drinking rum,” he said.

Javed Akhtar on alchohol addiction

Earlier, in an interview with comedian Sapan Verma, Akhtar spoke openly about how his alcohol addiction contributed to the failure of his first marriage with writer Honey Irani. “I regret the failure of my first marriage. It could have been saved. But it was my irresponsible attitude, my drinking… When you are drunk, you take impulsive decisions, you start fighting over things that are not such big issues. These are the mistakes I made,” he admitted.

Javed Akhtar also highlighted the turning point in his life — the day he quit drinking altogether. “The few good things I have done in life include quitting alcohol. July 31, 1991, was the last time I drank. I have never taken a sip of champagne after that. Not even during celebrations,” he said.

Shabana Azmi on his addiction

His wife, acclaimed actress Shabana Azmi, also opened up about the challenges she faced during that period. “It was very difficult. He had decided that he wouldn’t be able to live longer or continue doing creative work if he didn’t quit drinking,” she shared.

Javed Akhtar’s journey from addiction to sobriety continues to inspire many, especially given his candid reflections and acknowledgment of past mistakes.