Known for his distinctive and fresh style of storytelling, Farhan Akhtar, renowned actor, filmmaker, writer, singer, and songwriter. He is known for his films like Dil Chahta Hai, and Don series which he directed. He also gets immense critical acclaim for his acting in films like Luck By Chance, Zindagi Na Milegi Debara and Bhag Milkha Bhag.
Early Life
Farhan Akhtar, born on January 9, 1974, in Mumbai. His father, Javed Akhtar, is a renowned lyricist and screenwriter, and his mother, Honey Irani, is a celebrated actress and screenwriter. Farhan has an elder sister, Zoya Akhtar, who is also a prominent director and screenwriter.
Farhan’s parents divorced when he was young, and his father later married legendary actress Shabana Azmi. Born into a family of scholars and intellectuals, Farhan grew up in an environment that nurtured creativity and originality. He attended Maneckji Cooper School in Mumbai and later pursued a law degree at H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, although he did not complete his studies.
Farhan Akhtar The Director
Farhan Akhtar’s career in the film industry began behind the camera. He made his directorial debut with the coming-of-age film “Dil Chahta Hai” (2001), which received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of modern Indian youth. The film won the National Award for Best Hindi Film and Filmfare Awards for Best Film (Critics) and Best Screenplay. This success established Farhan as a talented director and writer.
His second movie was the cult classic Lakshya (2004), which further established him as a sensitive filmmaker who can pick the pulse of youth. He continued to impress with the thriller franchise “Don,” which showcased his versatility.
Farhan Akhtar The Actor
Farhan Akhtar made his acting debut with the musical drama “Rock On!!” (2008), where he also showcased his singing talent. The film was a commercial success and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. His performance as Aditya Shroff, a former rock band member, was widely appreciated.
His second film was Zoya Akhtar’s directorial debut, “Luck by Chance.” In the film he portrayed a struggling actor who gained fame overnight and in the process lost his way, his relationships, and himself. One of his most memorable performance came in “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011),” directed by his sister Zoya. Farhan starred alongside Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol in this buddy-road film. His portrayal of Imran Qureshi, a poet and advertising executive, earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Farhan played the role of legendary athlete Milkha Singh in the biographical sports drama “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013).” His dedication to the role, including intense physical training, won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Farhan Akhtar The Singer
Known for his on-screen charisma, he adds depth to characters with finesse. Farhan Akhtar’s acting journey reflects a compelling evolution, proving his prowess not only behind the camera but also in front of it, captivating audiences with his diverse roles.
Farhan continues to act in many memorable films like Karthik “Calling Karthik (2010),” “Shaadi Ke Side Effects (2014),” “Dil Dhadakne Do (2015),” “Rock On 2 (2016),” “Wazir (2016),” “The Sky Is Pink (2019), and “oofaan (2021).”
Apart from acting and directing, he also sung a few songs, like in “Socha Hai, ” “Pichle Saat Dinon Mein,” “Rock On!!,” Tum Ho Toh,” “Sinbad The Sailor,” in Rock On!!, “Señorita,” and “Toh Zinda Ho Tum” in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, “Yahaan Wahaan,” “Bawla Sa Sapna,” and “Aahista Aahista” in Shaadi Ke Side Effects, “Dil Dhadakne Do,” and “Gallan Goodiyan” in Dil Dhadakne Do, “Atrangi Yaari” in Wazir, “Jaago,” “You Know What I Mean,” “Manzar Naya,” “Woh Jahaan” in Rock On 2 and “I Don’t Know” in Bharat Ane Nenu.
Personal Life
On the personal front, Farhan Akhtar married hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani in 2000. The couple has two daughters, Shakya and Akira. Akhtar and Adhuna divorced in 2017. In 2022, Farhan married actress and VJ Shibani Dandekar.
Beyond his film career, Farhan is known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2012, he founded MARD (Men Against Rape and Discrimination), an initiative to raise awareness about gender-related issues. In 2014, he became the first male UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia.
Farhan Akhtar on IMDB
