09 May,2025 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Javed Akhtar
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.
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."
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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.
