Entertainment
Flying High

Farhan Akhtar, who is once again facing the camera in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, gets candid about the making of the film 
Swati Rai

National award-winning producer, actor, director, singer and lyrics writer, Farhan Akhtar has broken all possible stereotypes. He will soon be seen in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, in which he plays the legendary athlete. In an interview, he talks about his forthcoming films besides various issues that touch his heart. Excerpts:

Biopic on sports

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is not a movie on sports per se or in the least trying to pontificate on its importance. It is the story of the triumphant human spirit that can overcome all odds regardless of physical or emotional pain. Usually, the problem with such themes is that there is a moral tirade on the issue but not so in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Here, the characters talk less yet say a lot more and the message hits home. Yes, sports is important and there are many lessons that one can learn from them but the beauty of the script is that all that is good has been emphasised minus the overt chatter of giving ‘gyan’! Sure preparing for the role was a lot of hard work but it was worth it.

The making of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

The more confident a director is about his vision, the more open he is to others views; the less sure he is of his art, the more resistant he is to others ideas. The decision, of course, rests with the captain of the ship. I was fortunate to have Rakeysh as my director. He has a solid body of work behind him and is super sure of his craft. While shooting the film, I did share my views as I feel I would be doing a disservice to my commitment to the project if I didn’t share these.

Evolving Cinema

The cinema audience has gotten younger. Now there is a market for all kinds of cinema. Whatever the sensibility with which a movie is produced, it will find its audience. There is a wide variety of choice for the audience now. Even in Hollywood, it is the same. There is a choice of the commercial potboiler and the other for a more nuanced audience. One size doesn’t fit all and why should it.

Celeb speak

Celebrities should speak openly on issues of national importance but I can’t speak for others. When I see, hear or read something happening in the country or in the world, I share my emotional reaction on Twitter. It is heartening to see that there is a growing call for justice wherever people have been wronged. There is a coming together of rising voices against any sort of oppression and all this will eventually lead to change!

Future Ahoy!

I am looking forward to jamming and performing with my band, besides working with Reema Kagti. I am quite excited about the rom-com, Shaadi Ke Side Effects! which will be directed by Saket Chaudhary and produced by Pritish Nandy. The film with Vidya Balan is a sequel to Pyaar Ke Side Effects. Before its shooting takes up my time, I am looking forward to some family time!

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