Shabana Azmi Says She And Javed Akhtar Struggle With Memory: ‘Naam Toh Kisi Ka Yaad Hi Nahi Rehta’
Shabana Azmi, in a candid new interview, reflects on the quiet challenges of growing older alongside husband Javed Akhtar.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, known for her sharp wit and emotionally grounded performances, recently opened up about the realities of aging—dispelling any romantic notions attached to growing old. In a candid interview with India Today, the Dabba Cartel star shared how she and her husband, renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar, are feeling the cognitive shifts that come with age.
“We’re both creative people, and thankfully we still have work that excites us," Azmi said. “But we’re also aware that some faculties are beginning to fade, especially memory. Naam toh kisi ka yaad hi nahi rehta hai (We can’t seem to remember anyone’s name)." Her honesty struck a chord, reflecting a universal experience few speak about so openly.
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Azmi described aging as a “second childhood"—one that doesn’t come with the same endearing labels. “We need to understand that old age is just our second childhood; it just doesn’t seem so sexy," she said, noting the double standards society often holds. While people go out of their way to accommodate children, the same empathy is rarely extended to aging parents. She emphasized the importance of keeping the elderly integrated into family life, rather than isolating them under the guise of care.
Drawing from her own experience caring for her mother, Shaukat Azmi, she recalled how even small gestures—like involving her in day-to-day decisions—made a significant difference. “It’s not enough to provide food and shelter. Dignity, inclusion, and conversation matter just as much."
She also reflected on the emotional toll of watching her father, poet Kaifi Azmi, lose his independence after a stroke. “People mean well, but they often help in ways that frustrate rather than empower. It’s difficult for someone who’s always been strong to suddenly need help."
The actress called for a cultural shift in how society views and supports the elderly. “We revere our elders in name, but we rarely include them meaningfully in daily life," she said. “Moving cities or homes, for instance—we plan around the kids’ school and social life, but forget how disorienting it is for older family members."
Currently, Shabana Azmi is enjoying a new wave in her career. She was most recently seen in Netflix’s Dabba Cartel, a gripping crime thriller centered around five women who secretly run an underground food delivery business. The show also stars Anjali Anand, Shalini Pandey, and Jyotika.
Next up, Azmi will appear in Lahore 1947, a highly anticipated period drama starring Sunny Deol. With her signature mix of gravitas and empathy, Azmi continues to explore bold narratives both onscreen and off—proving that even in life’s later chapters, there’s no shortage of stories worth telling.
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