It’s director-turned-actor-turned-singer Farhan Akhtar 39th Birthday today. Farhan merely personifies Bollywood given his versatilities. A fabulous Director. A Seasoned Actor. A good singer. And overall, a star of huge stature. Farhan surely follows the legacy of the legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar, his father and scriptwriter Honey Irani, his mother. Born into a film family, Farhan was a late bloomer. But when he began, he did create history. His directorial debut, Dil Chahta Hai, attained a path breaking cult status. It gave Bollywood a newer dimension of cinema, which was closer to realism. The film delved into lives of urban people, their friendships and relationship. Farhan proved his meticulous sense of characterization and story. The film went on to win a National Award and since then there has been just glory for this man.
With films like Lakshya and Don (Remake of the 1978 film of the same name), he gave film direction a greater prowess than his contemporaries. Don’s remake was a huge success. With Gurinder Chadha’s Bride and Prejudice, he turned lyricist. His crucial breakthrough came with Rock On, which saw him as a singer and a musician. His songs were an instant favorite of the youngsters. His voice enthralling and fresh, and as an actor he was flawlessly synced deep in the skin of his character. Playing Imran in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, gave his acting style the much required depth, seriousness and sensitivity.
Farhan has shifted all his focus on his next film. A biopic directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (of Rang De Basanti fame) will see him play the famous Indian athlete Milkha Singh. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag will see Farhan in a perfectly toned and chiseled shape. The trailers are already out and have created an immense positive impact on the audiences. People are excited to know about the story of the flying Sikh, Milkha Singh. Indian cinema is coming of age and is discussing about sports beyond their overpowering cricket fanaticism. Farhan has been paired up with Sonam Kapoor for the film. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is slotted for a mid July release and is already expected to garner good revenues.
Soon after, Farhan is expected to start shooting for Pritish Nandy’s Shaadi Ke Side Effects. The movie will team up Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan for the first time. It will be a sequel of the Rahul Bose – Mallika Sherawat starrer Pyaar Ke Side Effects. Akhtar and Balan will play the same characters of Sid and Trisha. The film is expected to be a funny romantic comedy and hopefully impress the audiences.
Farhan Akhtar is a man who has been in this industry for more than a decade now. The variety of his work has just begun. His spontaneity in acting, his vision in direction and his impulsive and naïve voice in music all blends together and goes a step forward to mesmerize the audiences. He has a huge career awaiting him which will hopefully span over many more decades and touching on many more arts given the virtue of his talents.
Koimoi wishes Farhan Akhtar a Very Happy Birthday. We wish this all encompassing star our finest wishes in all his future endeavors.
