Farhan Akhtar: Four lesser known facts about the Sky is Pink actor

Farhan Akhtar is the powerhouse of talent in Bollywood. This all-rounder actor is also a film director, producer, playback singer and a television host. Born to renowned screenwriters Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani, Farhan kickstarted his Bollywood career as an assistant director in Yash Chopra’s Lamhe (1991) and Pankaj Parashar’s Himalay Putra (1997). We have laid down the list of unknown facts about the actor below:

1.     Directorial debut 

Farhan Akhtar collaborated with Ritesh Sindhwani to establish a production company Excel Entertainment in 1999. Later on, the Rock On actor made his directorial debut with coming-of-age drama film Dil Chahta Hai. The National Award-winning film featured an ensemble cast of Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta and Dimple Kapadia. This critically acclaimed film garnered him loads of appreciation for showcasing modern youth. Funnily, Farhan Akhtar wrote Dil Chahta Hai because his mother threatened to throw him out of the house if he did not do anything with his life. 

Also read: Farhan Akhtar: Best Songs Throughout His Career In Bollywood

2.     First Choice for Rang De Basanti

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s patriotism redefining movie Rang De Basanti was a blockbuster hit in 2006. Audiences aren't aware that Farhan Akhtar was the first choice for this National Award-winning movie. The multitalented actor was offered the film before Aamir Khan. According to sources, it is known that Akhtar regrets saying no to Rang De Basanti. 

Also read: Farhan Akhtar And Shibani Dandekar Give Couple Goals

3.     Deewar before Sholay?

The Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara actor claims that he has watched Amitabh Bachchan’s Sholay more than fifty times. Yet Farhan Akhtar does not find it as ‘perfect’ as Big B’s Deewar. He thinks the latter character is much more stronger as well as interesting. 

Also read: Farhan Akhtar Opens Up About Breaking Divorce News To His Kids

4.     Singing and acting debut 

After becoming a renowned director, a writer and a producer, Junior Akhtar made his acting and singing debut with Rock On. Along with starring in this musical film, the Dil Dhadakne Do actor sang most of the songs in this movie. Owing to positive reviews and seven Filmfare Awards, a sequel of the same was released in 2016. 

These days, Farhan Akhtar is preparing for his upcoming movie The Sky Is Pink opposite Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Co-produced by Priyanka’s Purple Pebble Pictures, the biographical film has Zaira Wasim portraying the role of Aisha Choudhary. Aisha is the author of My Little Epiphanies, which got published at a literature festival the day before she died. Directed by Shonali Bose, the film will hit the theatres on October 11, 2019. 

Also read: Farhan Akhtar's Most Memorable Dialogues From Films