How 'ZNMD' scene with Naseeruddin stirred Farhan Akhtar's childhood memories
What's the story
Farhan Akhtar recently opened up about his emotional experience while shooting a pivotal scene in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD) with Naseeruddin Shah. The scene, which features a confrontation between Shah's character and Akhtar's, was one of the most emotionally charged moments in the film. In an interview with Galatta Plus, Akhtar revealed that filming this scene brought back memories of his own childhood and relationship with his father, Javed Akhtar, after his parents' separation.
Filming challenges
'That scene cannot be a performance'
Akhtar said, "I didn't have that many lines. The lines belonged to Naseer Sahab, and he is incredible. So I had to just sit and listen to him." "It was easy to react, it was easy to respond. That scene cannot be a performance." "It had to feel like the boy is hearing it for the first time, and the more we had to do it... Somehow, the actor bone kicks in, and the performance bit comes into it."
Emotional connection
'It transported me back to my childhood'
Akhtar further revealed that he and Shah did not rehearse the scene. "The first couple of times, it felt more natural because he was speaking to me for the first time, and we didn't rehearse at all." He added, "In some way, it transported me back to my childhood...not knowing what had happened and why my parents were not together." "I remember feeling very emotional when that scene was shot and not having to pretend to be emotional at all."
Criticism
Akhtar's response to Shah's criticism of 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'
The actor-filmmaker was also asked about his recent response to Shah's old remark on Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, in which Shah had described Akhtar's performance as "completely fake." Akhtar said, "It didn't feel good when I read it, but you have to take it in your stride. It is his opinion." He added that constructive feedback must come from a place of care and respect. ZNMD was directed by Zoya Akhtar. It also starred Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, and Abhay Deol.