Forty-one years into their marriage, Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar continue to do new things together. The duo recently shot a commercial for a jewellery brand, their first together. It was the campaign’s theme of soulmates that did the trick for Azmi. “I have a soft corner for the word. I truly believe Javed is my soulmate,” she smiles.

For decades, we’ve seen the actor light up the screen with her presence and talent. But seeing the veteran screenwriter share the frame with her and hold his own was a delight. Mention this to Azmi, and she says, “We’ve had an overwhelming response, [with many] saying it’s so natural. That’s because we made up our own lines despite being given the content! Javed is getting many acting offers now because he is so effortless in front of the camera.” 
  
In a world that tries to find romance in the maze of dating apps and situationships, breadcrumbing and benching, Azmi and Akhtar’s enduring love story is one for the books. What’s the secret? Similarities and differences are the key, notes the actor. “Javed and I are each other’s best friend. We come from identical backgrounds and share a common worldview. Our interests are similar, except for sports, about which I don’t have a clue,” she laughs.