About:
Farhan Akhtar, born on January 9, 1974, in Mumbai, is a multifaceted Indian artist known for his work as an actor, film director, producer, screenwriter, playback singer, and lyricist in Hindi cinema. He is the son of renowned screenwriters Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani. In 1999, he co-founded Excel Entertainment with Ritesh Sidhwani and made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed Dil Chahta Hai (2001), which won the National Film Award for Best Hindi Film and the Filmfare Award for Best Film (Critics). The film is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of modern Indian youth.
Akhtar followed this success with the war film Lakshya (2004) and contributed to the soundtrack of Bride and Prejudice (2004), marking his Hollywood debut. His 2006 film Don, a remake of the 1978 classic, was commercially successful, leading to the sequel Don 2 (2011), his highest-grossing film to date.
Transitioning to acting, Akhtar’s debut in Rock On!! (2008) earned him the National Film Award for Best Hindi Film as a producer and the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He garnered further acclaim for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), winning the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of Milkha Singh in the biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Other notable acting roles include Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Wazir (2016), Lucknow Central (2017), The Sky Is Pink (2019), and Toofaan (2021).
Early Life and Personal Background
Farhan Akhtar was raised in Mumbai by his mother, Honey Irani, after his parents’ divorce. He studied at Maneckji Cooper School and pursued a law degree at HR College. Akhtar’s family has a rich literary heritage, with his grandfather Jan Nisar Akhtar and great-grandfather Muztar Khairabadi being notable Urdu poets. He identifies as an atheist, influenced by his parents’ secular upbringing.
He married Adhuna Bhabani in 2000, with whom he has two daughters. The couple separated in 2016 and divorced in 2017. Akhtar later married VJ Shibani Dandekar in 2022.
Career Highlights
Directing, Writing, and Producing
Akhtar began his career as an apprentice in film distribution and direction, working on Yash Chopra’s Lamhe (1991). He directed Dil Chahta Hai (2001), which became a turning point in his career, followed by Lakshya (2004) and Don (2006). In 2007, he directed the short film Positive, aimed at raising HIV-AIDS awareness.
His 2011 directorial comeback with Don 2 was a major success. Akhtar has also produced critically acclaimed films like Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012), Fukrey (2013), and Raees (2017).
Acting and Singing
Akhtar’s acting debut in Rock On!! (2008) showcased his talent as both an actor and singer. He continued to deliver strong performances in films like Luck By Chance (2009) and Karthik Calling Karthik (2010). His role in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) was widely praised, and he received critical acclaim for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013).
In recent years, Akhtar has starred in films like Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Wazir (2016), Lucknow Central (2017), The Sky Is Pink (2019), and Toofaan (2021), continuing to establish himself as a versatile actor in the industry.
Summary
Farhan Akhtar’s dynamic career spans directing, acting, producing, and singing, with a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects. From Dil Chahta Hai to Toofaan, his contributions have significantly impacted Hindi cinema, making him one of the industry’s most influential figures.