Shabana Azmi Reflects on Motherhood and Self-Worth

Shabana Azmi has recently spoken about the societal pressure she felt for being unable to have children with her husband, Javed Akhtar. In various interviews, she emphasized that women often derive their self-worth from their roles as wives, mothers, or daughters, while men gain satisfaction primarily from their careers. Azmi highlighted the need for women to find self-worth through their work, rather than conforming to patriarchal expectations. A conversation with her mother, Shaukat Kaifi, who found fulfillment in her work, significantly influenced Azmi's perspective. Despite not having biological children, Shabana shares a close bond with Javed's children from his previous marriage, Farhan and Zoya Akhtar. She also underscored that respect is essential in any relationship, and it must be earned through constant effort and mutual understanding.