Updated on: 26 July, 2021 11:32 AM IST |
Farhan Akhtar: The Pool of Talent
Some More..: Akhtar who started his production house Excel Entertainment along with childhood buddy Ritesh Sidhwani commenced with the cult film Dil Chahta Hai starring Aamir Khan, Preity Zinta, Akshaye Khanna and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles. Farhan who has been often credited for initiating a new wave in Indian cinema, received immense acclaim for his work. Farhan also assisted his father along with sister Zoya in writing the English lyrics of a song from Lagaan. He has also written the English lyrics for Gurinder Chadhas Hollywood film, Bride and Prejudice -2004 along with sister Zoya on recommendation by his father.
Away From Films: Apart from the regular filmy routine, Farhan Akhtar has also indulged in several other activities. He was the judge of the first season of a couple dance reality show Nach Baliye. He also hosted a TV show Oye! Its Friday! And has been the brand ambassador for several products including watches, liquor, water purifiers et al. Akhtars endorsements are managed by ace photographer Atul Kasbekar.
Bhaag Farhan Bhaag: Akhtars film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was the talk of the town after its release. The actors impeccable look in this biopic- a result of some grueling training sessions and research clearly grabbed the spotlight. Essaying the role of a 17 year old army recruit and the ace athlete Milkha Singh, Farhans dedication to this film certainly paid off.
Treading Different Paths: In 2007, he directed Positive, a 12 minute documentary film starring Shabana Azmi and Boman Irani. Based on the trials and tribulations of an HIV-AIDS patient, the film was primarily created to bring in awareness. Its background score was composed by Ram Sampath and was a part of AIDS JaaGo - a series of 4 short films, directed by Santosh Sivan, Mira Nair, Vishal Bhardwaj and himself.
Controversy: During the 1992 riots in Mumbai, Akhtar had his first tryst with controversy when his religion triggered as a matter of contention. The actor described it as the worst moment of his life. Post a series of hit sing-song fanfare, Farhan also refused to sing a song for A. R. Rahmans album Blue.
Acting and All That: Farhan ventured into acting with his home production, the 2008 film Rock On! for which he bagged the National Award and also sang 5 tracks in the film. He was next seen in sister Zoyas directorial debut Luck By Chance. Karthik Calling Karthik and the 2011 film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara extracted fine performances from Farhan.
My Wife & Kids: In the year 2000, Farhan Akhtar married hair stylist Adhuna Bhabani after a three year courtship. Adhuna owns a chain of salons across Mumbai and has been an incredibly successful entrepreneur. They have two daughters Akira and Shakya.
Bollywood Baby Steps: Farhan stepped into the world of Bollywood by working as an apprentice in direction and cinematography for Yash Chopras 1991 flick Lamhe. A 17-year old then, Akhtar later moved on to working with an ad production house Script Shop where he worked for around 3 years. He also assisted as a director for the film Himalay Putra in 1997 before venturing as a full-fledged director.
Early Days: The actor completed his schooling from Maneckji Cooper School in Mumbai and went on to pursue a commerce degree from the HR College, Mumbai. However, Farhan was dismissed from college due to poor attendance in the second year itself. Akhtar claims his parents to be his harshest critics and derived inspiration from Robert De Niro in his growing up days.
The Family Tree: Son of lyricist Javed Akhtar and screenwriter Honey Irani, Akhtar is also the grandson of Jan Nisar Akhtar the renowned poet and lyricist of the 20th century. Post his parents divorce in his formative years, his father Javed Saab went on to marry actress Shabana Azmi. While Zoya Akhtar is Farhans younger sister, he is also the maternal cousin of directors Sajid Khan and Farah Khan. Now heres one famous family for sure.
Hes smart, hes witty and hes versatile. Naturally gifted, this super sensation of Bollywood has surpassed all confines of talent. The man in question is none other than Farhan Akhtar. Hailing from a lineage of poets and artists, Farhan has rocked the industry all the way. Celebrating the writer-actor-director-singers birthday, heres taking you through some trivia about the star.
