To Farhan Akhtar, the charming powerhouse of talent, happy birthday!
What's the story
Call it a compliment or a curse, but despite a 17-year-long prolific career, the most memorable movie of Farhan Akhtar is still his debut, 'Dil Chahta Hai', a film that defined 'cool' for an entire generation at the turn of the century.
As Farhan turns 44 today, we celebrate the director we miss, the actor we adore and the singer we Don't listen to.
The director
We need good movies. Farhan Akhtar, are you listening?
If a film is called Don, it should focus on the villain, right? Made at a time that was big on good over evil, the 1978 movie starring Amitabh Bachchan didn't. Farhan, thankfully, got it right in his 2006 remake.
He has directed four feature-length films till now, all of them experimental, bold and entertaining. If only he made them more often.
Do you know?
Zoya Akhtar's "very good-looking brother"
Karan Johar once asked Farah Khan on his chat show, Koffee with Karan, what Zoya Akhtar had that she didn't. Farah quipped, "A very good-looking brother." No wonder Farhan eventually chose to act. Such effervescent charm must have been difficult to contain behind the camera.
The actor
From Luck By Chance to being Milkha Singh
Hrithik Roshan was included in Luck By Chance, Farhan's second film as an actor, to add star value to it.
Fast forward two years. Farhan's effortless performance in their next, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, overshadowed Hrithik's, and was widely appreciated.
However, it was his 2013 release, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, that forever cemented his position as a skilled actor who is here to stay.
The singer
Rock On!! and beyond
Rock On!!, the 2008 film that marked Farhan's acting debut, also channeled in him a passion for music. He learnt to sing for the movie, songs which became chartbusters. He has never looked back since.
Farhan is now an active vocalist, singing for films, at college festivals and live concerts.
But do we like Farhan, the singer? Well, that's a story for another day.