Javed Akhtar spotted in wheelchair with Shabana Azmi at Mumbai airport
Synopsis
Iconic lyricist Javed Akhtar was photographed in a wheelchair at Mumbai airport alongside Shabana Azmi — weeks after she shared a moving account of his journey from sleeping on footpaths with 27 naye paise to becoming one of India's most celebrated wordsmiths. The couple will mark 42 years of marriage next month.
Key Takeaways
Javed Akhtar was spotted in a wheelchair at Mumbai airport on 15 November 2026 , alongside wife Shabana Azmi .
Akhtar stood up to pose for photographers when requested, appearing alongside Azmi for pictures.
In October 2026 , Shabana Azmi shared a throwback post recounting how Akhtar arrived at Bombay Central Station on 4 October 1964 with just 27 naye paise .
Azmi described how Akhtar once went 3 days without food and slept on footpaths and railway stations before achieving fame.
The couple married on 9 December 1984 and will celebrate 42 years of marriage next month.
Celebrated screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar was photographed in a wheelchair alongside his wife, veteran actress Shabana Azmi, at the Mumbai airport on Sunday, 15 November 2026. The couple was captured by photographers as they arrived at the airport, drawing attention after Akhtar was seen seated in the wheelchair.
Akhtar Obliges Photographers
When cameramen requested that Javed Akhtar pose standing, the celebrated lyricist graciously complied, rising from the wheelchair to stand beside Shabana Azmi for photographs. The brief appearance offered fans a glimpse of the iconic duo together in public.
Shabana Azmi's Tribute to Javed Akhtar's Struggles
The airport sighting comes weeks after Shabana Azmi shared a deeply personal tribute to her husband on social media, revisiting the extraordinary hardships he endured before finding success in the film industry. In October, she dropped a rare throwback photograph of a young Javed Akhtar, recounting the story of a 19-year-old who arrived at Bombay Central Station on 4 October 1964 with just 27 naye paise in his pocket.
In the post, Shabana wrote: '4th Oct 1964. A young lad arrived at Bombay Central Station with 27 naye paise in his pocket but with big dreams in his eyes. Life gave him several hard knocks. He slept on the footpaths, at the railway stations, and in the compound of many a studio. A day came when he had nothing to eat for 3 days and the only clothes he had were the shreds on his body.'
She added: 'On the edge of despair when he could have given up, he said to himself — Main yunhi marne ke liye nahin paida nahin hua tha. Yeh din badlenge — as they did. 4th October 1964: a 19 yr old, almost penniless. 4th October 2026, decades later: a life that has given India some of its most memorable words. This is the story of Javed Akhtar. Some journeys begin with almost nothing. Except a dream. If he can do it so can you. Never give up.'
Four Decades of Marriage
Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi married on 9 December 1984, and the couple will mark 42 years of marriage next month. Azmi, who is widely known for her active presence on social media, regularly celebrates her husband's legacy and their shared life through personal posts and throwback memories.
Javed Akhtar's Legacy
Over six decades, Javed Akhtar has penned some of Hindi cinema's most iconic lyrics and dialogues, earning numerous Filmfare Awards and the prestigious Padma Bhushan. His journey from near-destitution to becoming one of India's most celebrated wordsmiths remains one of Bollywood's most remarkable origin stories. The couple's public appearances continue to captivate fans and the film fraternity alike.
Point of View
Though no health details have been disclosed — a reminder that celebrity wellness remains a matter of intense public interest in India. What gives the sighting deeper resonance is the timing: Shabana Azmi's October tribute had just reintroduced to a new generation the improbable story of a penniless 19-year-old who would go on to define the sound of Hindi cinema. Together, the two moments — the archive photo of a hungry young dreamer and the airport image of a legend in a wheelchair — frame one of Bollywood's most human narratives, beyond the glamour that usually defines it.
NationPress
15 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Javed Akhtar seen in a wheelchair at Mumbai airport?
Javed Akhtar was photographed in a wheelchair at Mumbai airport on 15 November 2026 while travelling with wife Shabana Azmi. No official reason for the wheelchair use has been disclosed publicly.
Who is Javed Akhtar?
Javed Akhtar is one of India's most celebrated screenwriters and lyricists, known for iconic Bollywood dialogues and songs spanning over six decades. He has won multiple Filmfare Awards and the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian cinema and literature.
What did Shabana Azmi share about Javed Akhtar's struggling days?
In October 2026, Shabana Azmi posted a throwback photo recounting how a 19-year-old Javed Akhtar arrived at Bombay Central Station on 4 October 1964 with just 27 naye paise. She wrote that he slept on footpaths, railway stations, and studio compounds, and once went three days without food before eventually making his name in the industry.
How long have Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi been married?
Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi married on 9 December 1984. They will complete 42 years of marriage in December 2026.
Is Shabana Azmi active on social media?
Yes, Shabana Azmi is widely known for her active presence on social media, where she regularly shares personal memories, throwback photographs, and tributes to her husband Javed Akhtar, as well as commentary on social and cultural issues.
