Farhan Akhtar on acting: 'The Fakir of Venice' and Rock On sparked it all
Synopsis
Farhan Akhtar didn't plan to become an actor — a persistent friend and an accidental musical drama did it for him. His candid account of how The Fakir of Venice and Rock On!! unlocked a second career reveals a creative instinct that has since produced Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and 120 Bahadur. Few in Hindi cinema have built equal credibility on both sides of the camera.
Key Takeaways
Farhan Akhtar says his acting career began with The Fakir of Venice , where director Anand Surapur insisted he play the lead.
Rock On!! , directed by Abhishek Kapoor , was the second key project that convinced him to pursue acting further.
Farhan launched his career as a director with Dil Chahta Hai , followed by Lakshya , Don , and Don 2 .
His acting debut in Rock On!! earned him a National Film Award for Best Hindi Film as producer.
He later starred in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag , Dil Dhadakne Do , and 120 Bahadur , where he played Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh .
Farhan Akhtar, one of Hindi cinema's most versatile creative forces, has opened up about the unlikely chain of events that pulled him from behind the camera to in front of it — a transition that would eventually produce some of his most celebrated performances.
How It Began
Farhan credits two early projects with igniting his interest in acting. The first was The Fakir of Venice, directed by his friend Anand Surapur, who was insistent that Farhan take the lead role. “He was very adamant that I play the lead in his film. That was the first acting experience that I had. I enjoyed that experience,” Farhan said.
The second turning point came when he met director Abhishek Kapoor, known to friends as Gattu, which led to the musical drama Rock On!!. “Out of the exploration of acting through those films is where I felt there is a lot of possibility to try and do more,” Farhan explained.
From Director to Actor
Farhan had already carved out a formidable reputation as a filmmaker before stepping in front of the camera. He launched his directorial career with Dil Chahta Hai, a coming-of-age film that achieved cult status and redefined urban Hindi cinema. He subsequently directed Lakshya, Don, and its sequel Don 2.
His acting debut in Rock On!! earned him a National Film Award for Best Hindi Film as a producer, while also establishing him as a credible screen presence. The success of that project emboldened him to pursue more acting work.
A Career Built on Exploration
Following Rock On!!, Farhan went on to deliver a string of acclaimed performances. He appeared in Luck By Chance, took on the physically demanding role of sprinting legend Milkha Singh in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and featured in the ensemble drama Dil Dhadakne Do.
Most recently, he starred in 120 Bahadur, a historical war drama set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, in which he portrayed Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh — arguably his most demanding role to date.
What This Reveals
Farhan's acting journey is notable precisely because it was unplanned — driven by friendship, curiosity, and creative openness rather than ambition. His dual identity as both a filmmaker and actor remains rare in an industry where the two roles seldom overlap with equal credibility. As he continues to take on challenging projects, his trajectory suggests that the exploration he described is far from over.
Point of View
Then into a rock musical — rather than protect a directorial brand is what separates him from peers who guard their lane. The industry produces many directors and many actors; it produces very few who are taken seriously as both. That dual credibility is now his most valuable asset, and 120 Bahadur suggests he is leaning into it deliberately.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What drew Farhan Akhtar towards acting despite being a director?
Farhan Akhtar says two early projects sparked his interest: The Fakir of Venice, where director Anand Surapur insisted he play the lead, and Rock On!!, which he made with director Abhishek Kapoor. He found the experience creatively fulfilling and decided to explore acting further.
What was Farhan Akhtar's directorial debut?
Farhan Akhtar made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai, a coming-of-age film that achieved cult status. He later directed Lakshya, Don, and Don 2.
Which film marked Farhan Akhtar's acting debut?
Farhan Akhtar made his acting debut with the musical drama Rock On!!, directed by Abhishek Kapoor. The film also earned him a National Film Award for Best Hindi Film as a producer.
What is 120 Bahadur about and what role did Farhan play?
120 Bahadur is a historical war drama set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Farhan Akhtar played Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh in the film.
What other notable films has Farhan Akhtar acted in?
Beyond Rock On!!, Farhan Akhtar has acted in Luck By Chance, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag — where he portrayed sprinting legend Milkha Singh — Dil Dhadakne Do, and 120 Bahadur.
