Javed Akhtar's humorous take on being romantic in real life
Legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar brought humor to the Critics' Choice Awards 2025 when asked if his real-life romance matches his poetic work. He recounted Shabana Azmi's quip about lacking a romantic bone and likened it to circus performers not hanging upside down offstage, amusing the attendees with his witty comparison.
Legendary lyricist and screenwriter, Javed Akhtar has talked about romance in his personal life with a sprinkle of humour.
Javed Akhtar attended the Critics' Choice Awards 2025’s star-studded affair as the special guest of the night.
During the ceremony, the host playfully asked if he was as romantic in real life as his poetry suggests, and he shared a humorous anecdote.
He revealed that someone once asked Shabana Azmi the same question, and she had responded, “Mujh Mein ek bhi romantic bone nahi hai (I don't have a single romantic bone in my body).
Akhtar then added, “Jo log circus mein trapeze karte hai, wo real life mein ulte thode latke rehte hai. (People who do trapeze in the circus don’t hang upside down in real life too, you know.)”
She added: “The awards hold a special place in my heart, as so many critics have been wonderfully supportive of All We Imagine as Light. Thank you for supporting our film every step of the way.”
Amidst stiff competition, the Critics' Choice Awards 2025 jury meticulously evaluated the nominations, ensuring that the most exceptional works of Indian cinema received their due recognition.
Receiving the award for Best Director in a Feature Film for ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ Payal Kapadia said that this year has been filled with incredible films, and it means so much to be among such inspiring filmmakers.
Richie Mehta, awarded Best Director and Best Series for Poacher, reflected on the recognition, saying, “I hope they feel the love today, as our story is merely a reflection of their extraordinary work, and this recognition further reinforces this.”
Best Actor honour in the Web Series Category was given to Barun Sobti for ‘Raat Jawaan Hai’, while Best Actress went to Nimisha Sajayan for ‘Poacher’. Dibyendu Bhattacharya took home the Best Supporting Actor for his work in ‘Poacher’. Meanwhile, Best Supporting Actress went to Kani Kusruti for ‘Poacher’
In the Feature Film Category, Along with Payal Kapadia and Diljit Dosanjh other winners included – Best Actress was given to Darshana Rajendran for ‘Paradise’, Ravi Kishan won for Laapataa Ladies as Best Supporting Actor. Best Supporting Actress was Kani Kusruti for ‘Girls Will Be Girls’, which also won the Gender Sensitivity Award.