Shabana Azmi opens up on not being able to bear children!

Shabana Azmi has been married to legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar for nearly 40 years, yet the couple has never had children. The actress, who is unable to bear children owing to medical reasons, recently discussed how society makes her feel inadequate and the importance of embracing reality.

 

In a media chat, Azmi revealed, “It’s tough coming to terms with the fact that you can’t bear children. Society makes you feel incomplete. You have to work hard to pull yourself out of that.” The 73-year-old also advised all women to recognize that their ultimate sense of self must stem from their profession.

 

According to Shabana, women assess their self-worth by their relationships (e.g., wife, mother, daughter), while males assess it through their careers. “I believe that should apply to all genders.”

 

In a 2000 interview with Simi Grewal, the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani actor discussed how she quickly accepted the truth that she couldn't have a baby. Azmi was surprised at how effortlessly she accepted her situation, rather than feeling a ‘major disappointment'.

 

“I am very friendly with Javed’s kids so that need was fulfilled,” Shabana went on to say that not having children allowed her to focus more on her job because ‘motherhood is very demanding’.