With an alluring charisma and suave, Farhan Akhtar has always bowled us over both in reel and real life. Starting off as a young director to make a movie that later would earn cult status and surprising us with some solid performances in remarkable movies, Farhan has always proved that he is a jack of all trades. As the actor-director-singer-producer-writer turns 48, here’s looking at some of his finest work so far.

Best of Farhan, the actor

1.Rock on (2008)

Rock On marked the acting debut of talent storehouse Farhan Akhtar. Rock On is about a couple of friends who part away after having some difference in opinions over their music band. Rich with soulful music, Rock On is an interesting take on love, friendship, and passion for music. The film also stars Arjun Rampal, Prachi Desai, and others. The film had won several accolades and fetched the Best Male Debut award for Farhan at IIFA and Filmfare that year.

2.Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Farhan’s character Imran Quereshi in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara will be one of the most loved characters of all time in Bollywood. Farhan plays Imran with such playful charisma that it is impossible to not fall for him. No matter how playful and carefree Imran may appear, deep down there is something that is bothering him; the truth about his biological father. The scene where he encounters his biological father (Naseeruddin Shah) is one of my favorite scenes from the film.

3. Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)

Though a cameo, Farhan leaves a mark in his sister’s directorial Dil Dhadakne Do. Farhan plays Sunny, Aisha’s (Priyanka Chopra) teenage love who joins Aisha and Kabir in their parents’ anniversary cruise. In a limited time, Sunny impresses everyone with his views and perspectives leaving us with thoughts to ruminate over.   

4. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)

Bringing to screen the legend of Milkha Singh, also known as the Flying Sikh, Farhan simply owns Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. With his brilliant acting, Farhan leaves a mark with Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. I consider it to be one of his finest performances so far. Farhan Akhtar was heavily inspired by the eventful life of Milkha Singh and underwent extensive training for the film.

5.Toofan (2021)

His latest acting stint Toofan is the story of a former boxing champion who was prohibited from boxing on account of spot-fixing. Though I found the film mediocre as a whole, Farhan’s performance as a local goon who becomes a boxing champion is quite impressive.

Read: Toofan Movie Review

Best Farhan, the director and writer

1.Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

Can you imagine a 26-year-old boy writing and directing an exciting story with the biggest names of the industry starring in it? Farhan was just 26 when he directed the cult classic movie Dil Chahta Hai that stars Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshay Khanna. The film was a huge success and went on to receive the National Award for Best Feature Film that year. The film is about three college friends who come together to redefine their friendship.

2. Lakshya (2004)

Starring Hrithik Roshan, Lakshya is about a lazy young man who finds purpose in life after joining the Indian Army and fights the war. Farhan has a way with youth. He makes movies that inspire young minds and Lakshya is a testament to that.

3. Don: The Chase Begins (2006)

Taking a different track altogether, Farhan’s directorial Don: The Chase Begins is a thriller that is also the remake of the 1978 movie of the same name. Starring Shahrukh Khan in double roles, the film is a gangster-action-drama film that keeps us hooked till the end.

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