Farhan Akhtar

Farhan Akhtar (born January 9, 1974, in Mumbai, India) is a multifaceted Indian filmmaker, actor, singer, producer, and screenwriter. He is the son of renowned screenwriters Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani, and the brother of filmmaker Zoya Akhtar. Farhan co-founded the production company Excel Entertainment in 1999 with Ritesh Sidhwani. He made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film Dil Chahta Hai (2001), which revolutionized Bollywood's portrayal of modern youth and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. His subsequent directorial ventures include Lakshya (2004), Don (2006), and Don 2 (2011) .

In addition to his work behind the camera, Farhan has established himself as a versatile actor and singer. He made his acting debut with Rock On!! (2008), for which he also contributed to the soundtrack. His portrayal of Milkha Singh in the biographical film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) earned him widespread acclaim and several awards. Farhan's musical endeavors include his band Farhan Live, where he performs original songs and covers, showcasing his passion for music .

Farhan Akhtar is also known for his advocacy and social initiatives. He launched the campaign Men Against Rape and Discrimination (MARD) in 2013, aiming to raise awareness about gender equality and combat societal issues like rape and discrimination. His commitment to social causes reflects his belief in the power of individuals to effect positive change. Farhan has expressed, “Be the catalyst for change. Empowering women, empowering humanity” .