Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has mentioned that his son, actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has shocked him, revealing that he was “extremely worried” and anxious about him. In his new e-book Talking Life, Javed mentioned that in contrast to his daughter-filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, who he believed was “strong”, Farhan Akhtar was the “shy” and “quiet” one throughout childhood. According to Javed, Farhan grew to become a unique individual when he turned 23. (Also Read | Farhan Akhtar wishes ‘pa’ Javed Akhtar birthday with a beautiful note)
Javed additionally mentioned that the success of Zoya Akhtar and Farhan provides him ‘higher happiness than my very own success’. He additionally spoke in regards to the ‘latent actor’ in himself. Javed and Honey Irani tied the knot in March 1972 and parted methods in 1985. They grew to become mother and father to Zoya in October 1972 and Farhan two years later. Javed later married actor Shabana Azmi.
In the e-book, as quoted by the information company PTI, Javed mentioned, “Farhan has really surprised me. Because I was extremely worried about him. I was not worried about Zoya. Right from her childhood, Zoya was strong and precocious. Even when she was six or seven, she argued logically. On the other hand, Farhan was very quiet and shy… He was not a kid who argued and fought. In fact, he was intimidated by Zoya. I did not know that even in his childhood, he had another persona when he was among his peer group. I came to know much later about different aspects of his personality.”
He additionally added, “It may sound dramatic, but it’s a fact that the success of my children gives me greater happiness than my own success. I feel proud of Zoya and Farhan. Honestly, I have never felt proud about my own work in the same way. Zoya and I tend to think logically and try to analyse things objectively. Farhan and I share a sense of humour, a happy-go-lucky attitude, taking things in a lighter vein, not making things into an issue. Many people have told me I could narrate a screenplay well. I think that was the latent actor in me. I may have had some acting talent that Farhan clearly has.”
Farhan made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai in 2001. He made his Bollywood debut with the musical drama Rock On (2008). He additionally featured in a number of different movies resembling Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara amongst others. Javed alongside together with his former writing associate Salim Khan is credited for scripting a number of iconic movies together with Deewaar, Don, and Sholay.
