Celebrated actor, director, and singer Farhan Akhtar has embraced another year of his illustrious life with warmth and festivities as he commemorates his birthday surrounded by his nearest and dearest. The intimate family gathering featured a close circle, including Farhan’s wife Shibani Akhtar, his venerable father Javed Akhtar, and his accomplished filmmaker sister, Zoya Akhtar.
The serene celebration was captured in a heartwarming Instagram post shared by Shabana Azmi, Farhan Akhtar’s adoring stepmother. The shared photograph echoed sentiments of familial love and togetherness, showcasing the ‘Rock On’ star cutting his birthday cake at the stroke of midnight while being enveloped by the smiles of his family members. Alongside the endearing snapshot, Shabana Azmi penned a touching birthday wish in Urdu: “Salgirah mubarak betu #FarhanAkhtar. Jeete raho khush raho bahut saara pyar,” which translates to “Happy birthday, son Farhan Akhtar. May you live long, stay happy, and receive a lot of love.”
The celebratory image sees Farhan, ever charming in a simple black tee and pants, flashing an infectiously wide grin. Standing proudly by him is his partner, Shibani Akhtar, who exudes casual elegance in a grey t-shirt and blue denim. The other luminaries in the photo include Shabana Azmi gracefully posing with the family, and Javed Akhtar, whose towering presence among the creative powerhouses of his offspring cements the picture as a celebration of both family and shared artistic legacies.
Amid the warm birthday buzz, Farhan Akhtar has also whetted the appetites of his fans by announcing two major projects that are set to mark his return to the director’s chair. ‘Jee Le Zaraa’, which was unveiled a couple of years ago, is one of the most anticipated ventures and has created quite the stir with its all-female ensemble cast starring Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina Kaif. This eagerly awaited all-female buddy road movie promises to pave new paths in storytelling, with a script co-written by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, hinting at an immersive narrative rich with character and excitement.
Adding to the anticipation is the revelation of ‘Don 3’, the newest installment in the venerated ‘Don’ series—Farhan’s directorial successor to the 2011 hit ‘Don 2’. In a thrilling update, the franchise is taking a bold leap with the induction of Ranveer Singh, who is set to step into the shoes of the iconic character originally portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan and later reinvented by Shah Rukh Khan. When the announcement was made, it was met with mixed reactions, as the shadow of those legendary performances loomed large.
In an illuminating conversation with the BBC Asian Network, Farhan discussed his decision to cast Ranveer as the eponymous ‘Don’. He revealed how Ranveer shared a blend of nervousness and excitement, a reflection of Farhan’s own sentiments during such pivotal casting decisions. Drawing parallels with the past, Farhan recounted the initial skepticism that greeted Shah Rukh Khan’s entry into the previous ‘Don’ adaptation and expressed his belief in Ranveer’s prowess and distinctive style, capable of redefining the enigmatic character.
Farhan lavished praise on Ranveer’s artistic flair and expressed his confidence that the actor’s dynamism is well-suited to the character’s pedigree. It is a belief grounded in a director’s vision for his film, and Farhan acknowledged the weight now resting on his shoulders to craft a rendition of ‘Don’ that aligns with both his and the audience’s expectations.
As Farhan Akhtar enters another year of life and creativity, fans revel not just in the celebratory iconography of his intimate birthday gathering, but also in the palpable excitement for the future he envisions from behind the camera. With a narrative as compelling off-screen as the tales he weaves on-screen, Farhan’s journey is one to watch, innovate, and celebrate.
