Farhan Akhtar, The Versatile Rockstar

Surrounded by various commemorated figures in the Bollywood industry, Farhan Akhtar is one of the versatile personalities who has made his mark with brilliance. He has been acclaimed for many movies for his Acting, Direction, Production, etc. Among his many works, his popular ones include Dil Chahta Hai, Rock On!!, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and The Sky is Pink. His directorial debut was also said to start a “new wave” in Indian cinema. On his 47th birthday, we take you on a fun ride exploring the life, career, and other facts about Farhan Akhtar.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth	9 January 1974
Age	46
Hometown	Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Parents	Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani
Occupation	Actor, Director, Singer, Producer, Scriptwriter
Awards and Achievements	Critics Award for the best movie and screenplay- Rock On!! Best Film – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Best Supporting Actor- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Best Actor- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag National Award for Best Film in Hindi- Dil Chahta Hai Screen Award for Best Actor- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Farhan Akhtar: Life and Career

Farhan Akhtar was born in Mumbai to Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani on 9th January 1974. Both his parents were artists in the Bollywood industry. Akhtar went to Maneckji Cooper School, Mumbai, and enrolled for a law degree from HR College, South Mumbai. However, he was suspended due to a lack of attendance at college. 

Growing up in such an artistic and poetic environment, he was creative and knew the nuts and bolts of the cinematic world. Farhan Akhtar has always been a maverick person and used newer ideas for his projects which are highly regarded by filmmakers and critics. He began his training in cinema at the young age of 17 as an assistant to Yash Chopra and Pankaj Parashar for the film Lamhe (1991) and Himalay Rutra (1997) respectively. During that period he also worked at an advertisement production house called “Script Shop” for three years. 

Explore Music Schools in India!

Directorial and Acting Debut

Farhan Akhtar made his directorial debut with the movie Dil Chahta Hai in 2001. This gave him a leap into directing and was highly acclaimed by the audience and critics. During the same time, he assisted his father in writing the English lyrics of a song in Lagaan. 

Akhtar’s next project was Lakshya (2004) for which he wrote the script and also directed the movie. In 2006, he made a remake of the 1978 film Don (starring Amitabh Bachchan). He produced and wrote the screenplay of ‘Don’ and starred Shah Rukh Khan in the title role which was again a success at the box office owing to the popularity of the character. He went on to write and produce many successful movies like Fukrey, Bangistan, Baar Baar Dekho, Raees, etc.

Apne raaste par chalte raho, chalte raho. Dheere dheere saari duniya tumhare raaste par aa jayegi. – Luck by Chance

In 2008, Farhan Akhtar wrote and produced the movie Rock On!! which was also the kickstart of his acting career and won him the National Award. Akhtar lent his voice and sang five songs for the soundtrack album of the lead singer of the rock band ‘Magik’. Among his many roles in his acting career, some of the acclaimed ones are Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara- a coming-of-age film, and ‘The Sky Is Pink’ which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received a 15-minute standing ovation from the audience. He further acted in several movies like Luck By Chance, Shaadi Ke Side Effects, The Fakir of Venice, Wazir, Karthik Calling Karthik, Dil Dhadakne Do, etc. Akhtar starred in the 2013 biopic on an Indian athlete ‘Milka Singh’ titled  ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’. He acted his role with great integrity and perfection and swept many awards for his role in this movie including ‘best actor’ and ‘best film’ awards.

Must Read: How to Become a Filmmaker?

Outside Cinema

Farhan Akhtar has always been vocal about his opinions and has voiced out against wrongdoings. He launched a social campaign called ‘Men Against Rape and Discrimination’ or ‘MARD’. He also produced a film titled ‘Positive’ in the hope of spreading awareness about the disease HIV-AIDS and people’s attitude towards a person infected by it. 

Farhan Akhtar is truly among the ingenious stars who strive to give their audience something unique. His passion for cinema is evident and has a lot to deliver in the forthcoming years. If you wish to kickstart your career and need guidance for trying out new things, Leverage Edu will provide you with experts who will assist you through your journey! Sign up for a free session today!