Farhan Akhtar – Biography
Full Name: Farhan Akhtar
Date of Birth: January 9, 1974
Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer, Singer, Screenwriter, Lyricist, TV Host
Parents: Javed Akhtar (Lyricist, Poet) & Honey Irani (Screenwriter)
Siblings: Zoya Akhtar (Filmmaker)
Early Life & Education
Farhan Akhtar was born into a family deeply rooted in the Indian film industry. His father, Javed Akhtar, is a renowned poet and screenwriter, while his mother, Honey Irani, is a screenwriter. His elder sister, Zoya Akhtar, is a filmmaker.
He attended Maneckji Cooper School in Mumbai and later studied at HR College of Commerce and Economics. However, he dropped out before completing his degree and started working in the film industry.
Career
As a Director & Writer
Farhan Akhtar made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai (2001), a coming-of-age film that redefined Bollywood storytelling. It was critically acclaimed and became a cult classic.
Following this success, he directed:
- Lakshya (2004) – A war drama starring Hrithik Roshan.
- Don (2006) – A remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan film, starring Shah Rukh Khan.
- Don 2 (2011) – A sequel to Don, also starring Shah Rukh Khan.
As an Actor
Farhan made his acting debut in Rock On!! (2008), a musical drama where he also showcased his singing skills. He won the National Film Award for Best Hindi Film as a producer for this movie. He then starred in:
- Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)
- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) – A blockbuster road trip film.
- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) – A biopic on athlete Milkha Singh, which won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
- Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)
- Toofan (2021) – A boxing drama.
As a Singer & Musician
Farhan Akhtar is known for his unique voice and has sung several songs in his movies, including “Socha Hai” and “Senorita.”
As a Producer
Under his production house Excel Entertainment, co-founded with Ritesh Sidhwani, he has produced several successful films, including:
- Gully Boy (2019) – India’s official entry to the Oscars.
- Fukrey (2013) & Fukrey Returns (2017)
Personal Life
Farhan Akhtar was married to Adhuna Bhabani, a celebrity hairstylist, and they have two daughters. The couple divorced in 2016. He later married actress Shibani Dandekar in 2022.
Upcoming Projects
Farhan is set to return as a director with Jee Le Zaraa, starring Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt.
Legacy
Farhan Akhtar is regarded as one of Bollywood’s most versatile personalities, excelling as a director, actor, singer, and producer. His contributions to modern Indian cinema continue to influence storytelling and filmmaking.
