Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar is a teetotaller today. However, he was not always like that. Back in the day, during the early years of his career, Akhtar had a group of drinking buddies, which included names like Shatrughan Sinha and Subhash Ghai. They, along with others from the film industry, would frequently gather at a bar set up in a flat in Bandra called Beli`s Adda. However, over time, Akhtar gave up drinking and now totally abstains from it.
Javed Akhtar recalls drinking days
In a chat with Mid-day`s Sit With Hitlist, Javed Akhtar spoke about his alleged image of being anti-alcohol. He clarified that he is not anti-alcohol and believes that anyone who can drink in moderation should do so. “It`s a great pleasure, it`s good for your heart, it`s good for your nerves, it relaxes you. You can socialise, and it also gives a confidence boost.”
Akhtar further said that he cannot do anything in moderation — and that is his problem. “I used to consume almost a bottle daily for many years. I developed an allergy towards whisky. Then I thought I must switch to beer. I would drink 18 bottles of beer in one sitting. I would wonder why I was developing a beer belly. Then I quit beer and started drinking rum. I came to realise that rum is the best drink in this country. We make the best rum.”
Javed Akhtar on regrets
Despite leading a prolific career and making a name for himself, he has regrets. Talking about them, the 80-year-old said, “I have many regrets. I have wasted so much time. I have misbehaved with certain people. I have let down some people in my life, and I will live with this guilt. I can`t do anything about it except being extra nice to them, extra warm to them — but that`s no compensation. I wasted time drinking. I had the opportunity to learn a language, to learn a musical instrument. I have an understanding of music. But I did not pursue it.”
“I did not spend my time very constructively when I could afford to do that. In my relationships, I may have messed up some that I now repent. I can`t believe that I behaved like that. I`m so ashamed of it. So how can I not have regrets? I have many,” he concluded.
