Farhan Akhtar Biography, Awards, Age, Net Worth, Movies, Wife

Farhan Akhtar’s Biography

Farhan Akhtar is the quintessential Bollywood multi-hyphenate having worked as a  producer-director-writer-actor-singer. Farhan was born in 1974 to acclaimed Indian cinema writer and poet Javed Akhtar and writer-director Honey Irani in an environment that promoted creativity and originality of thought.

 As a result he has become a maverick whose films represent freshly new content that effortlessly connects with moviegoers. Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani a friend who shared his enthusiasm for fine movies formed Excel Entertainment in 1999 a production company that has become synonymous with filmmaking quality. 

Farhan made his debut as a writer director and producer at the age of 26 with Dil Chahta Hai (2001) a coming-of-age film that has earned cult status. He was praised for his honest ground-breaking writing and his ability to elicit mature performances from his actors.  

Farhan received his first National Award for ‘Best Hindi Feature Film ‘ as well as Filmfare honours for ‘Best Feature Film – Critics Choice’ and ‘Best Screenplay’ for the film.

Farhan Akhtar’s Age

Farhan Akhtar is aged 50 years old as of 2024. He was born on 9 January 1974. He was born in Mumbai Maharashtra. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius.

Farhan Akhtar’s Education

Akhtar went Maneckji Cooper School in Mumbai before joining HR College in Mumbai to study law.

Farhan Akhtar’s Family

Farhan Akhtar the second child of screenwriters Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani was born in Mumbai. He has one older sister Zoya Akhtar who is a writer and director. His parents split when he was very young; his father married actress Shabana Azmi in 1984. His mother kept the Bandra Bandstand family home and raised her children there.

Akhtar’s family is from Khairabad in present-day Uttar Pradesh’s Avadh area and he comes from a long line of Urdu poets. He is the great-grandson of Urdu poet Muztar Khairabadi and the grandson of Urdu poet Jan Nisar Akhtar. Akhtar is the nephew of child actress Daisy Irani and the first cousin of choreographer Farah Khan and Sajid Khan on his mother’s side.

After a three-year relationship with Adhuna Bhabani Akhtar married her in 2000. They first met when filming Dil Chahta Hai his directorial debut which also marked Bhabani’s debut as a Bollywood hairstylist. Shakya and Akira are the couple’s two daughters.

After 16 years of marriage they announced their divorce on January 21 2016. Their divorce was finalised on April 24 2017 and Bhabani was granted custody of their children. In 2018 Akhtar began dating VJ Shibani Dandekar. They married in a non-religious ceremony at his Khandala property on February 19 2022.

Farhan Akhtar’s Relationship

Adhuna Bhabani

Farhan Akhtar and Adhuna Bhabani met for the first time in 1997. They met at a Juhu nightclub. Farhan was working on his debut film ‘Dil Chahta Hai ‘ at the time. Hasrat was to become Bollywood’s number-one filmmaker. Farhan’s encounter with Adhuna was brief but both had cast a spell on each other.

Farhan and Adhuna are claimed to have met through Zoya Akhtar’s sister. Adhuna is six years older than Farhan but their bond is unaffected. They dated for almost three years before getting married in the year 2000.The next year in 2001 Farhan’s directorial debut ‘Dil Chahta Hai ‘ was released. Adhuna was also involved in this film. For the first time she worked as a hairstylist for a film.

Farhan and Adhuna abruptly split up in 2016. Has requested a divorce. Everyone from fans to Bollywood was startled when in the interim the Bandra Family Court confirmed both of their divorces in January 2017. When there was a break in the relationship so did the manner of life.

Shibani Dandekar

Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar met on the set of the reality show I Can Do That. She was a participant in this show while he was the host. The rest as they say is history. So it appears that the reality show played Cupid for the couple. Soon after rumours began to circulate that the couple was dating.

 In 2018 the couple declared their relationship on the Instagram official. Shibani had posted a photo of herself with Farhan. While the actor’s face was obscured he re-shared the photo on social media. Fans gathered with them when they made their first public appearance as a couple. In 2018 they were seen walking hand in hand at Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s wedding reception in Mumbai. Farhan’s name is even tattooed on Shibani’s neck. They married in a non-religious ceremony at his Khandala farmhouse on February 19 2022.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

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Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directed the film and Farhan Akhtar played the part of Milkha Singh. The film is based on the life of Milkha Singh an Indian runner who was a national champion.

 No one could have played Milkha Singh better than Farhan Akhtar and the film was a massive hit that left us all impressed. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag grossed 2.1 billion rupees (US$26 million) globally making it the seventh highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2013.

Abhishek Bachchan and Akshay Kumar were early leading candidates for the main role in 2010. Mehra preferred Bachchan but Milkha Singh personally preferred Kumar. Mehra on the other hand delayed making a final decision on the cast till the final script was ready.

 After months of seeking the main cast was unveiled in September 2011. Farhan Akhtar an actor-director and actress Sonam Kapoor were cast in the starring roles.

Following that Akhtar traveled to Punjab to see Milkha Singh and his family. Before making a decision Akhtar met Mehra for a story session and immediately decided to portray the part. Milkha Singh’s life motivated him and he underwent intense physical preparation for the role.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

ZNMD by Zoya Akhtar is a film that we can watch again and over again. Apart from some key friendship goals this film taught us several important life lessons that we will never forget. Farhan Akhtar is portrayed as a writer who is looking for meaning in his life.

 After three months of labor Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti finalized the scripting of a film in November 2009. Before the title Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was finalized the script had the working title Running with the Bulls which was an adaptation of the lyric “Zindagi Milegi Dobara” from the title song of Rock On!! (2008).

Jump Games produced a mobile video game based on Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and the La Tomatina event for various mobile operating systems on July 19 2011. To promote the film OPIUM Eyewear released exclusive Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara sunglasses.

As of October 2011 the film had grossed 1.53 billion (US$19 million) globally surpassing the worldwide gross of Roshan’s Dhoom 2 (2006) and becoming the ninth-highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time. As of October 2021 the film is rated 89th in terms of worldwide-grossing Indian films.

Rock On

Farhan Akhtar made his film debut with this picture which went on to become a smash hit and gain a massive fan base. Farhan’s performance in the musical drama captivated the entire country. Despite critical acclaim the picture grossed only 27.46 crores ($4.1 million) in India earning it the title “average grosser” from Box Office India. It made Rs. 1.5 crore (US$190 000) on its first day in India.

Akhtar and Prachi Desai make their successful Bollywood debuts with this film. Akhtar Arjun Rampal Luke Kenny and Purab Kohli play members of the Mumbai-based grunge rock band “Magik ” which reunited in 2008.Rock On!! won seven Filmfare Awards and received critical acclaim but performed poorly at the box office. 

The critically renowned South Korean film ‘A Happy Life’ served as inspiration. The film has been saved at the Academy Film Archive.

Dil Dhadakne Do

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Farhan Akhtar plays a journalist working overseas in the comedy-drama film which was released in 2015. Zoya Akhtar directed the picture which also stars Anil Kapoor Shefali Shah Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh.

 In May 2012 media reports said that cousins Kareena Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor had been contacted to play the siblings and had accepted the roles. Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif joined the cast in late December 2012 to play the love interests of the Kapoors’ characters respectively. Ranbir Kapoor stepped out of the picture in June 2013 due to schedule difficulties with his other commitments; Ranveer Singh took his place.

It was then claimed that when her cousin dropped out Kareena Kapoor was reconsidering her involvement in the film; the possibility to perform alongside her cousin had been the key draw for her.

Dil Dhadakne Do had a solid debut grossing $100 million on its first day. Collections increased 20% on its second day collecting 120 million and another 20% on its third day earning 140 million for a total domestic weekend collection of 360 million. When it was released the film had the largest overseas opening weekend for an Indian film of the year earning 195 million in its first weekend.

The Sky is Pink

The film is based on the life of motivational speaker Aisha Chaudhary who died in 2015 at the age of 18 after being diagnosed with immunodeficiency illness. Farhan Akhtar portrayed Aisha’s father in the film while Priyanka Chopra portrayed her mother.

Zaira Wasim asked the producers to keep her away from film promotion because she had decided to leave the industry. The song ‘Pink Gulaabi Sky’ was originally included in the film but it was eventually cut and used primarily as a promotional song since the creative team believed it disturbed the flow of the tale. Shonali Bose’s original choice for the role of Niren Chaudhary was Abhishek Bachchan.

On the set of this film actress Priyanka Chopra had handle her wedding arrangements. In an interview with Film Companion she describes how the production crew set up a separate cabin for her to go to for food tastings in between takes.

Farhan Akhtar’s Movies As a Director

Dil Chahta Hai

Farhan Akhtar made his directorial debut in 2001 with the film Dil Chahta Hai. A narrative about three friends who reside in Mumbai each of whom has a unique perspective on life. Amir Khan Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna performed the characters. A critically acclaimed film that is regarded as a watershed moment in Farhan Akhtar’s career. In 2002 the film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

He had maintained a diary during a three month trip to the United States. When he returned, a friend of his, Kassim Jagmagia asked him to write a script for an idea he had. Initally he wrote a 40 page draft which was typical romantic comedy and not very exciting. He then decided to use elements from the diary he had maintained during the trip and reworked the story. He couldn’t bear to part with and decided that he would make the movie himself, which was Dil Chahta Hai.

Don

The film Don is a remake of the 1978 film of the same name. Amitabh Bachchan played the lead in the original film. Shah Rukh Khan Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Arjun Rampal play the key roles of Don (2006). The film succeeded well at the box office and its success prompted the production of a sequel also directed by Farhan Akhtar. Shah Rukh Khan’s wedding ring fell off his finger during a shot. 

Khan had everyone on the set looking for it with the ridiculous reason that if they didn’t locate it he’d have to remarry in order to receive a new wedding ring. Needless to say they found it soon. The picture performed exceedingly well in its second week even outperforming that week’s new release and collections grew in numerous centers setting new second-week highs.

Lakshya

Lakshya is the story of Karan Shergill (Hrithik Roshan) a lazy useless young man whose life changes when he decides to join the military. The plot revolves around the ideas of bravery and redemption. This is also one of Hrithik Roshan’s most unforgettable performances.

Hrithik Roshan was wearing a wig in the scenes where he was shown in flashbacks. Though the film was inspired by several battalions during the Kargil War Lakshya was particularly inspired by Unit 3 Punjab.

Positive

Farhan is a filmmaker who is ushering in a new era in cinema. In this short film he told the story of a man suffering from AIDS and his family’s reaction to it. It was released in 2007 as part of the AIDS jaago series of four films.The film stars Boman Irani Shabana Azmi and Arjun Mathur who is making his acting debut.

Don 2

After 5 years Farhan made his directorial debut with this film. It was an action-packed film that the audience enjoyed. The film was a huge hit in India becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film. Priyanka Chopra refused to utilize a stunt double for the perilous automobile chase scene instead performing the majority of the stunts herself. Katrina Kaif had always wanted to contribute in some way to the post-production of a film. Farhan Akhtar allowed Katrina to edit a short chunk of the film while editing it to fulfill her wish.

Farhan Akhtar’s Upcoming films

Jee Le Zaraa

Farhan Akhtar directed Jee Le Zaraa which stars Priyanka Chopra Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt. The film explores and honours the friendship of three girls.

Farhan Akhtar’s Career Timeline

Year	Movie	Role
2001	Dil Chahta Hai	Director Writer Producer
2004	Lakshya	Director
2004	Bride and Prejudice	Lyricst
2006	Don – The Chase Begins Again	Director Writer Producer
2007	Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.	Producer
2007	Positive	Director Producer
2008	Rock On	Writer Producer
2009	Luck by Chance	Producer
2010	Karthik Calling Karthik	Producer
2011	Game	Producer
2011	Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara	Writer Producer
2011	Don 2 – The King Is Back	Director Writer Producer
2012	Talaash: The Answer Lies Within	Writer Producer
2013	Fukrey	Producer
2015	Dil Dhadakne Do	Writer Producer
2015	Bangistan	Producer
2015	Baar Baar Dekho	Producer
2015	Rock On 2	Writer Producer
2017	Raees	Producer
2017	Fukrey Returns	Producer
2018	Bharat Ane Nenu	Playback Singer
2018	Gold	Producer
2019	Gully Boy	Producer
2021	Toofaan	Writer Producer
2022	Sharmaji Namkeen	Producer
TBA	Jee Le Zaraa	Director Writer Producer

Farhan Akhtar Movies

Year	Farhan Akhtar’s Movie	Farhan Akhtar’s Character
2008	Rock On	Aditya Shroff
2009	Luck by Chance	Vikram Jaisingh
2010	Karthik Calling Karthik	Karthik Narayan
2013	Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara	Imran Qureshi
2013	Bhaag Milkha Bhaag	Sardar Milkha Singh
2014	Shaadi Ke Side Effects	Siddharth Roy
2015	Dil Dhadakne Do	Sunny Gill
2016	Wazir	Danish Ali
2016	Rock On 2	Aditya Shroff
2016	Daddy	Maqsood loosely based on Dawood Ibrahim
2016	Lucknow Central	Kishan Mohan Girhotra
2019	The Fakir of Venice	Adi
2019	The Sky Is Pink	Niren Chaudhary
2021	Toofaan	Aziz Ali (Toofaan) aka Ajju Bhai
2022	Ms. Marvel	Waleed

Farhan Akhtar’s Controversies

Toofan Controversy

There was a considerable call to boycott the film due to lead actor Farhan Akhtar’s previous comments about the Citizenship Amendment Act. And now a section of individuals on the internet mainly Twitter are demanding for it to be boycotted because the video purportedly encourages ‘Love Jihad’. It all started when the names of the main characters were made public. In ‘Toofaan ‘ Akhtar plays Aziz Ali who falls in love with a character named Pooja Shah (played by Mrunal Thakur).

Farhan Akhtar’s Networth

Farhan Akhtar’s opulent elegant and spacious villa is located in Mumbai’s Bandra neighborhood. Farhan is said to have invested in properties all across the world. Farhan also has a strong interest in exotic automobiles. Farhan’s most costly vehicle is a Porsche Cayman which he paid more than Rs 1.07 crore for. In addition the actor has a Range Rover a Mercedes Venge and a Honda CRV in his garage.

Farhan Akhtar’s Awards

 

• Farhan Akhtar has won the Filmfare Awards 2002 Critics Award for Best Film Dil Chahta Hai
• Farhan Akhtar has won 2014 Best Actor Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
• Farhan Akhtar has won 2012 Best Supporting Actor Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
• Farhan Akhtar has won 2002 Best Screenplay Dil Chahta Hai
• Farhan Akhtar has won 2012 Best Dialogue Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
• Farhan Akhtar has won IIFA 2014 Best Performance In A Leading Role (Male) Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
• Farhan Akhtar has won 2009 Best Male Debutant Star Rock On!!
• Farhan Akhtar won 2002 Best Choreography Dil Chahta Hai
• Farhan Akhtar won the 2002 Best Screenplay Dil Chahta Hai

 

 

Interesting facts about Farhan Akhtar

 

• He has had the acting bug since he was a child when he used to go around the home with a toy gun believing that villains were present.
• He was a very mischievous and secretive boy; her mother once said when she was in a meeting Farhan walked in and wanted to bathe in her room to which she consented. She later saw Farhan showering on her bed holding a tub and a mug.
• In the second year of his Commerce degree he was expelled from HR College.
• In his teens he worked for Yash Raj Films as a film distributor and subsequently for three years at Script Shop as part of the advertisement production team.
• He began his career as an assistant director working on films such as Lamhe and Himalay Putra.
• Despite seeing ‘Sholay’ 50 times he didn’t think it was ideal and thought ‘Deewar’ was far superior.
• His parents divorced when he was quite young and his father Javed Akhtar married actress Shabana Azmi in 1984.
• He suffers from Katsaridaphobia or cockroach fear and hopes to overcome it one day.
• Farhan was the first option for the film Rang De Basanti but it was eventually given to Aamir Khan.
• Farhan wrote “Dil Chahta Hai” because his mother threatened to kick him out of the house if he didn’t do something with his life.
• In 2002 he served as one of nine judges in the Femina Miss India beauty contest.
• He feels irritated whenever he notices disorganised clutter around him.
• Despite knowing how to drive a car since his twenties he only learned to ride a bike after he signed Karthik Calling Karthik.
• After solving the Rubik’s cube for his film Karthik Calling Karthik he became so obsessed with it that he used to solve it at parties shootings meetings and get-togethers.
• Most of his works are about friendship since after his parents divorced his friends became his largest support system.
• He turned down a role in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s 2006 film ‘Rang De Basanti’ since he wasn’t interested in acting at the time.
• He planned to cast Shah Rukh Khan in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara while drafting the script but SRK declined. Farhan played a character who is afraid of skydiving although in real life he is a certified skydiver.
• Farah Khan and Sajid Khan are famous people who are his relatives.
• He is the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
• In order for Pluto the dog in his film Dil Dhadakne Do to act and lick he applied a pack of vanilla ice cream to his face before every shot of that sequence. Furthermore this was his ninth picture with his sister Zoya Akhtar.
• When a lawyer called Pallavi Purkayastha was sexually abused and subsequently slain by her house watchman he had the idea to start MARD (Men Against Rape and Discrimination).
• In an interview his sister disclosed several secrets about him including the fact that Farhan used to watch a lot of movies as a child and if he enjoyed the film he would change into his favourite character and roam around the house for days or even weeks.

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