Veteran actor Annu Kapoor, who has been part of Hindi cinema for decades, recently revealed a lesser-known story about his close bond with celebrated writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar. Speaking at TV9’s Satta Sammelan, Annu shared how he played a pivotal role in Javed Akhtar’s marriage to Shabana Azmi nearly four decades ago.

The Midnight Marriage Secret

Recalling the incident, Annu Kapoor said, “Back then, the culture of live-in relationships didn’t exist in India. I told Javed saab to make a decision, and he said, ‘Do whatever you think is right.’ I consider Shabana Azmi my sister. When I told her what Javed saab had said, she replied, ‘You handle it, Annu.’”

Annu revealed that the wedding took place around midnight, and it was he who arranged a Maulvi for the nikah. To make it happen, Annu went to a mosque at night and personally brought the Maulvi along. Many industry personalities, including Boney Kapoor, were present at the intimate ceremony.

Shabana Azmi Became Javed Akhtar’s Second Wife

Javed Akhtar, one of Bollywood’s most renowned scriptwriters, lyricists, and poets, was earlier married to actress-writer Honey Irani in 1972. The couple had two children together — Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar. However, after 13 years of marriage, they separated in 1985.

Interestingly, Javed had already tied the knot with Shabana Azmi in 1984, a year before his divorce from Honey. Since then, Javed and Shabana have been together for over 40 years, standing as one of Bollywood’s most admired couples.