Javed Akhtar's Inspiring Story: From Heavy Drinking to Embracing Life

In October 2025, renowned poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar candidly discussed his past with alcohol during a recent event on mental wellbeing. Akhtar revealed that he had been an "extremely heavy drinker" for 11 years, consuming a full bottle of alcohol, or "30 to 40 pegs daily."

Surprisingly, Akhtar's decision to quit drinking did not stem from a heartbreak, trauma, or a rock-bottom moment. Instead, it was a simple logical question that served as the turning point. Akhtar realized that if he continued drinking at that rate, he would likely die in his early 50s. Faced with the choice of drinking and dying or not drinking and living, Akhtar chose the latter, as he genuinely did not want to die.

Akhtar expressed his deep love for life and eagerness to experience all that the future holds. He likened life to a book, stating that he is still at the preface, with so much more to see and discover. Akhtar emphasized his desire to be alive to witness the advancements he has missed, such as OTT platforms and the internet, had he died earlier.