Farhan Akhtar's birthday note for daughter Shakya: 'Love you to the moon and back'
Synopsis
Farhan Akhtar's birthday note for daughter Shakya is a rare, unguarded glimpse of the actor-filmmaker away from the spotlight — a simple 'love you to the moon and back' that resonates precisely because it is so unscripted, coming from one of Bollywood's most private multihyphenate talents.
Key Takeaways
Farhan Akhtar posted a birthday tribute for daughter Shakya Akhtar on 8 August on Instagram.
He affectionately calls her 'Sha' and wrote: 'Love you to the moon and back.' Shakya and sister Akira are Farhan's daughters with first wife Adhuna Bhabani , whom he married in 2000 and divorced in 2017 .
Farhan married Shibani Dandekar in 2022 after dating since 2018 .
As a filmmaker, Farhan debuted with Dil Chahta Hai ( 2001 ); as an actor, with Rock On!! ( 2008 ).
Actor-filmmaker-singer Farhan Akhtar marked his daughter Shakya Akhtar's birthday on 8 August with a warm Instagram post, calling her 'Sha' and declaring he loves her 'to the moon and back.' The post, accompanied by two photographs of the father-daughter duo, quickly drew attention from fans and the film fraternity alike.
The Birthday Post
Farhan shared the pictures on his Instagram handle with a simple yet heartfelt caption: 'Happy birthday Sha... love you to the moon and back.' The affectionate nickname 'Sha' underlines the close bond the actor shares with his elder daughter.
Family Background
Shakya is the elder of Farhan's two daughters, the other being Akira. Both were born to Farhan and his first wife, celebrity hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani. The former couple first crossed paths during the filming of Dil Chahta Hai — Farhan's directorial debut and Bhabani's entry into Bollywood as a hairstylist — and got married in 2000 after three years together. After 16 years of marriage, they announced their separation in 2016 and formally divorced in 2017. Farhan subsequently began dating video jockey Shibani Dandekar in 2018 and the two wed in 2022.
Farhan Akhtar: A Career Snapshot
Farhan launched his career behind the camera with the cult classic Dil Chahta Hai in 2001, followed by critically acclaimed directorial outings including Lakshya and Don. He stepped in front of the camera with Rock On!! in 2008, earning widespread praise, and went on to headline films such as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Dil Dhadakne Do, Wazir, Luck By Chance, The Sky Is Pink, and Toofaan.
Five Years of Toofaan
In July, Farhan marked five years since the release of his sports drama Toofaan, writing: '5 years since the storm took over. Celebrating #5YearsOfToofaan.' Released on 16 July 2021, the film was directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and produced by Excel Entertainment and ROMP Pictures. Farhan played Aziz Ali, a small-time goon from Mumbai who discovers a passion for boxing, alongside Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, Supriya Pathak, Hussain Dalal, and Vijay Raaz. The birthday post is a reminder that behind the multihyphenate career, Farhan remains a hands-on father whose public expressions of affection for his daughters draw as much warmth as any film announcement.
Point of View
But it is notable for what it signals: a Bollywood figure who has carefully guarded his personal life choosing to make his paternal bond public and uncomplicated. In an era when celebrity family content is often carefully managed for brand value, the brevity and warmth of this post stands apart. It also serves as a quiet reminder that co-parenting after a high-profile divorce can be dignified — something Indian popular culture rarely models openly.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shakya Akhtar?
Shakya Akhtar is the elder daughter of actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and celebrity hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani. She has a younger sister named Akira.
What did Farhan Akhtar post for Shakya's birthday?
Farhan shared two photographs with Shakya on Instagram on 8 August, captioning them: 'Happy birthday Sha... love you to the moon and back.' He affectionately calls her 'Sha.'
Who is Adhuna Bhabani and how did she meet Farhan Akhtar?
Adhuna Bhabani is a well-known Bollywood hairstylist who met Farhan during the filming of his directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai. The two married in 2000, separated in 2016, and divorced in 2017.
Who is Farhan Akhtar's current wife?
Farhan Akhtar married video jockey and actress Shibani Dandekar in 2022. The couple had been dating since 2018.
What are Farhan Akhtar's notable films as a director and actor?
As a director, Farhan is known for Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Lakshya, and Don. As an actor, his standout films include Rock On!! (2008), Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and Toofaan (2021).
