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.

Javed Akhtar recalls drinking days

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."