# Shabana Azmi Opens Up About Faith, Says She Is Muslim But Does Not Offer Namaz

> Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi recently discussed her views on religion in an interview, stating that while she is a Muslim, she does not offer namaz and her husband Javed Azmi is a firm atheist.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Entertainment · **Published:** 2026-10-23 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/entertainment/shabana-azmi-opens-up-about-faith-says-she-is-muslim-but-does-not-offer-namaz-51020 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Bollywood, Religion, Kaifi Azmi, Islam, Interview

Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi recently shared her candid perspective on religion and personal beliefs during an interview. She clarified that although she belongs to a Muslim background and appreciates various cultural nuances, she does not actively practice religious rituals. During the conversation, she also spoke about her husband Javed Akhtar, noting that he holds no belief in religion and considers himself a staunch atheist.

 

## Childhood Memories and Parental Influence
 Recalling memories from her childhood, Shabana Azmi shed light on the contrasting viewpoints of her parents. She mentioned that her father, the renowned poet Kaifi Azmi, was also an atheist, whereas her mother Shaukat Azmi believed in Islam, though not in an orthodox or rigid manner. Growing up in a household with such diverse perspectives allowed her to develop an open and independent outlook on life.

 

## Javed Akhtar and His Atheism
 Describing Javed Akhtar's stance, Shabana Azmi stated that he is a firm atheist who completely rejects religious dogmas. She also revealed that she occasionally uses traditional phrases like 'Mashallah' and 'Inshallah' in daily conversation, which often prompts questions from her husband. These differences are met with mutual respect and open dialogue within their household.

 

## Cultural Identity and Personal Choices
 Reflecting on her own identity, Shabana Azmi stated that while she identifies as a Muslim and enjoys celebrating Eid, speaking Urdu, and exploring regional cuisines, she does not offer namaz. She emphasized that her lifestyle and practices are not tied to conventional religious observances, reinforcing that cultural affinity and active worship are entirely different things.

 

## Religion as a Personal Matter
 Shabana Azmi firmly believes that religion is an intensely personal issue and no one has the right to intrude into another person's faith. Regarding the concept of God, she noted that it remains a private matter between an individual and their inner self, and governments should have no business interfering in it. She added that if prayer brings peace of mind to someone, nobody should object to it.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What did Shabana Azmi say about her religion?
Shabana Azmi stated that she identifies as a Muslim and enjoys cultural traditions, but she does not offer namaz because religion is a personal matter.

### 2. What did Shabana Azmi say about Javed Akhtar's beliefs?
Shabana Azmi shared that her husband Javed Akhtar is a firm atheist who does not believe in religion at all.

### 3. What were the religious views of Shabana Azmi's parents?
Her father Kaifi Azmi was an atheist, while her mother Shaukat Azmi believed in Islam but was not strictly orthodox.

### 4. Does Shabana Azmi celebrate festivals?
Yes, she stated that she loves celebrating Eid, speaking Urdu, and enjoying various culinary and cultural traditions.

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