Farhan Akhtar has become one of the most celebrated actors in the film industry currently. He has constantly swept awards for the work he has done in films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Rock On!! and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. However, his acting prowess is not the only reason why he is versatile.
While his choices of film and more recently television content always lead him in different directions, he has been able to take up other aspects of filmmaking like writing and producing. Let’s not forget, his contribution to songwriting and performing! Singing for films like Dil Dhadakne Do, Lucknow Central and Rock On, he has made a splash in the world of films.
Going Out on an Acting Limb
Farhan Akhtar has been known to pick up roles that explore all facets of the human experience, even playing a real person to drive the point forward. With his role in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, he played an ambivalent and cheery writer coming to terms with the loss of his father and discovering his birth father, and in The Sky is Pink, he plays a father trying his level best to give his kids what they need.
Shifting gears towards Karthik Calling Karthik, Akhtar plays an introvert, ridiculed and sad while in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, he transforms himself into a confident athlete ready to break the barriers and the limits of his own potential, which included playing Waleed in the Ms Marvel show, making his mark even in Hollywood.
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Even when he remains in the same genre, he shifts to tell a different story in Toofan. While in Rock On!!, he plays a rockstar myopic of his friends, abandoning his dreams only to make an eventual comeback to his passion. It is this variety that makes him an indispensable triple threat in Bollywood.
Farhan Akhtar trying on the Producer Hat
Apart from his gleeful portrayals, he is also known to sponsor great stories like the cult classic Dil Chahta Hai, following three inseparable friends when a social taboo causes this relationship to splinter. It explores the avenue of romantic relationships in a way that was truly ahead of its time. He has also produced some light-hearted content like Fukrey and its sequel. In almost every film he’s been to, he has managed to bag a production credit.
With the advent of OTT platforms, he has also produced some quality content like Made in Heaven, following a friendship duo planning weddings when things go awry with the clients they were helping, Mirzapur, telling a story of criminality, politics and violence in this city in Uttar Pradesh, India and Inside Edge which explores the lives of cricketers and the inherent corruption in the sport. If you see the name Farhan Akhtar rolling in the credits, it is clear, that the experience will be elevated.
Screenplay writing and Songwriting in His Blood
Not only does Farhan Akhtar contribute to writing dialogues, but he also writes lyrics for music and even made his independent album titled Echoes. He has written for films like Talaash, and Dil Dhadakne Do and now will also write for the upcoming star-studded film called Jee Le Zaraa.
Born to writers Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani, there has always been filming, music and writing in his home. These influences are clear in the poetic verses he writes while also maintaining a voice of his own. His songs and live performances have always left audiences wanting more. Songs like Atrangi Yaari, Socha Hai, and Rock On really showcase his immense talents.
Whether or not you may like Farhan Akhtar, it is impossible not to appreciate the caveat of talent he brings to the industry, along with his sister Zoya Akhtar who often takes up the director roles. Here’s to the upcoming projects the Brother-sister duo have planned.
Watch Farhan Akhtar performing Pichle Saat Dino Mein in Rock On
You can stream Rock On!! on Netflix. What is your favourite project of Farhan Akhtar? Let us know in the comments below!
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