Farhan Akhtar

- Full Name
- Farhan Akhtar
- Date of Birth
- January 9, 1974
- Birthplace
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Active Since
- 2001
Biography
Multi-talented and dynamic, these words epitomize Farhan Akhtar more than any other Bollywood celebrity. Farhan Akhtar is a name which had contributed to the changing Indian cinema with his debut flick 'Dil Chahta Hai'. Farhan has given an all-round performance with directing, screenwriting, producing, acting, singing, lyrics writing, anchoring on TV and producing in movies.
Farhan Akhtar was born in Mumbai to screenwriters Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani on 9th January 1974. Writer- Director Zoya Akhtar is his sister. His parents divorced when he was just six years of age. Later, Javed Akhtar married actress Shabana Azmi in 1984. Sajid Khan and Farah Khan are his maternal cousins. Farhan was schooled in the Maneckji Cooper School in Mumbai and later joined HR College to pursue studies in commerce but then was dismissed for shortage of attendance in the second year of commerce degree. At the time of Bombay Riots, Akhtar entangled in some controversy as he was perceived as a Muslim. Later he was freed as innocent for his liberal background and noninvolvement in any religion. Farhan has defined it as "the worst moment" of his life. He married Adhuna Bhabani in the year 2000 after dating her for 3 years. The couple has two children named Shakya and Akira.
Akhtar worked as an apprentice in cinematography and direction for Yash Chopra's 'Lamhe' in 1991 at the age of 17. Then, he moved on to the ad-production house called Script Shop where he spent almost 3 years. He also assisted Pankaj Parashar in 'Himalay Putra' (1997), the debut movie of Akshaye Khanna.
Akhtar along with friend Ritesh Sidhwani started a production house 'Excel Entertainment'. Akhtar made his directorial debut at the age of 27 with the trend-setting movie 'Dil Chahta Hai' in 2001 starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna. Farhan has admitted it to be a story of his own life and the three friends are none other than himself, Hrithik Roshan and Uday Chopra. It was also based on his personal trips to New York and Goa. The film was liked in the Metros and was termed as the new Indian cinema. The movie went to get a National Award for Best feature film in Hindi for 2002. It got international acclaim and was screened at various prominent film festivals of the world. In the same year he and his twin sister Zoya assisted their father to write English lyrics for the song O ri Chori in 'Lagaan'.
Akhtar next directed 'Lakshya' in 2004, starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta. It got mixed reviews and failed commercially. In the same year, Farhan wrote the lyrics of Gurinder Chadha's Hollywood film, 'Bride and Prejudice' along with Sister Zoya Akhtar.
In 2006, Farhan produced, directed and wrote the screenplay of 'Don - The Chase Begins Again' which was a remake of 1978 movie 'Don - The Chase Begins Again' was written by father Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan. The film went to be a commercial blockbuster although got mixed reviews from critics. The film is also the first successful remake in India. In 2007, Akhtar produced 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd' directed by Reema Kagti, his former assistant. It did an average business. In the same year, Akhtar directed 'Positive', a 12 minute documentary on HIV-AIDS awareness. In 2008, Akhtar debuted in the blockbuster movie 'Rock on' as an Actor and Playback singer both. He got a Filmfare award for Best Debut Actor male and Best Playback Singer. He was then pronounced as the Indian 'Bryan Adams' for his husky voice and style of singing.
A. R. Rahman had offered Akhtar a song to sing in his album Blue which Akhtar refused for some reasons. Then Akhtar acted in sister's debut directorial 'Luck By Chance' this time in a gray shade. The film was critically and commercially appreciated. Akhtar also acted in black comedy drama 'The Fakir of Venice'. He next acted in 'Karthik Calling Karthik' opposite Deepika Padukone. The film received mixed reviews and did not succeed at the box office in spite of having a unique story. Akhtar produced 'Game' and wrote dialogues for it but the film failed.
Akhtar Produced and acted in Zoya Akhtar's 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' where he was appreciated for the recitation of poems written by dad narrated in the background of the movie throughout and of course for his acting too. The film was a major hit of 2011. Later, in the same year he wrote and directed 'Don 2' the sequel of his 'Don - The Chase Begins Again'. It too became a commercial and critical success. The film was mainly praised for the movie's cinematography. He recently produced successful 'Talaash' directed by Reema Kagti. He also wrote dialogues for the movie.
Farhan has judged a Beauty Pageant 'Femina Miss India in 2002. He was a judge in the dance reality show Nach Baliye season 1. He hosted a chat show 'Oye! It's Friday on NDTV Imagine. He endorsed brands like Hindustan Unilever's Water purifier- Puriet, United Spirits, Titan etc. Farhan is a great dancer since childhood. He is also a guitarist.
Farhan will next be seen as an actor essaying the real life character of Athlete Milkha Singh in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. He will also produce a film 'Fukrey'. He will also be associated with future projects like 'Kismat Talkies', 'Shaadi Ke Side effects' alongside Vidya Balan, 'Voices from the Sky' and 'Rock on!! 2'.
Farhan Akhtar filmography
50 titles
Frequent collaborators
by films shared with Farhan Akhtar
Ritesh SidhwaniProducer42- RRahul NandaPublicity Designer29
- HHimanshu NandaPublicity Designer29
Javed AkhtarLyricist23
Shankar MahadevanPlayback Singer16
Ehsaan NooraniMusic Director15
Loy MendonsaMusic Director15
Reema KagtiStory Writer13
Zoya AkhtarStory Writer13- KKassim JagmagiaCo-producer12
- AAnand SubayaEditor10
- BBaylon FonsecaSound Designer10
Production houses
and labels credited alongside
Gallery
59 photographs
News & articles
Coverage mentioning Farhan Akhtar

Farhan Akhtar-Shibani Akhtar Pose Hand-In-Hand As They Celebrate Diwali After Marriage
Taking to Instagram, Farhan Akhtar shared a cute picture with his wife Shibani Akhtar.

Farhan Akhtar & Shibani Welcome A Little Munchkin, Name Him
Farhan Akhtar shared adorable pictures of the newest addition to his family.

4 Years Of The Sky Is Pink: Rohit Saraf's Heartfelt Tribute To Priyanka Chopra And Farhan Akhtar For The Emotional Film! (View Pics)
On the fourth anniversary of 'The Sky Is Pink,' actor Rohit Saraf expressed gratitude to his co-actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Farhan Akhtar, and the film's team, for the profound impact.

Jee Le Zaraa: The REAL REASON Why The Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra And Alia Bhatt Starrer Is Being Delayed! (Details Inside)
Farhan Akhtar's project ‘Jee Le Zaraa’, starring Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina Kaif, has met a snag. A recent analysis sheds some light on the causes for the delay.

Don 3: Farhan Akhtar REVEALS The REAL Reason Behind Replacing Shah Rukh Khan With Ranveer Singh! (Details Inside)
Farhan Akhtar recently highlighted the casting change in ‘Don 3’ and the reasoning for his and Shah Rukh Khan's decision to part ways on the film in a recent interview.

Jawan Not Ramaiya Vastavaiya: Shah Rukh Khan Fans Seamlessly Blends The Upcoming Track With ‘Don 3’ Theme Song, Creating A BREATHTAKING Mashup (Watch Video)
A remarkable twist has taken shape as a devoted admirer of Shah Rukh Khan skillfully combines the 'Jawan' song with the iconic ‘Don 3’ theme, resulting in a breathtaking edit.

Don 3: Farhan Akhtar's Responds To Having Doubts About Ranveer Singh Stepping Into Shah Rukh Khan's Shoes! (Details Inside)
The controversy and anticipation surrounding Ranveer Singh's casting as the lead in Don 3, drawing parallels to previous doubts...read on to know more.

Don 3: Ranveer Singh Reacts On Audience Response To His Replacement In SRK's Shoes; Says, ‘I Understand What A Great Responsibility….’ (View Post)
Ranveer's upcoming portrayal in the third installment of filmmaker Farhan Akhtar's action-packed franchise ‘Don’ marks a significant moment in his career.

Don 3: Surprising! Ranveer Singh CAMPAIGNED For His CASTING For The Film After Shah Rukh Khan Said 'If James Bond Has...! (Details Inside)
Farhan and his partner Ritesh Sidhwani reportedly agreed after Ranveer Singh campaigned for his own casting.
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