Hot-air balloon dupes Vidya Balan and Farhan Akhtar

The Shaadi Ke Side Effects couple Vidya Balan and Farhan Akhtar were at a promotional event celebrating love. However, what transpired was far from romantic. The duo was to take a trip on a hot-air balloon -- but it refused to take the stars any closer to the sky.

First the balloon did not arrive on time and when it did, it simply stayed put to the ground. A source told Mirror: "Lots of hot air was pumped into the balloon but it simply wouldn't take off. Probably there was some technical snag."

Vidya and Farhan looked visibly embarassed but somehow carried on posing for the waiting lensmen. When contacted Rangita Nandy of Pritish Nandy Communications who are coproducing the film with Balaji Motion Pictures confirmed that the balloon did not take off.

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I woo Adhuna with songs, says Farhan Akhtar

Though he started out as a writer-director, Farhan Akhtar has proved that he can act as well. He tells CS, "I am very happy with the kind of work I am doing and the people that I am working with." In a freewheeling chat, he talks about his passion for films, his professional relationship with sister Zoya Akhtar and why wife Adhuna is his support system.

Winning accolades
I feel happy that my work has been recognised, initially by the audience and now by the fraternity. I don't perceive myself overtaking the Khans by bagging the best actor awards of the year. I am happy for Shah Rukh (Khan) and I hope he is happy for me too. If you ask me whether this is the best time of my career, I would say I hope not. Don't get me wrong; I am not complaining. But I hope that there are better times ahead.
The road ahead
I am excited about the release of my film with Vidya Balan next week. The rom-com is a fun take on marriage and how things change when you welcome your first child to the world. It was a good opportunity for me to do hilarious stuff, say funny dialogues and find myself in ridiculous situations. I think the birth of the first child is very special for any couple and I could relate to quite a few scenes. I am also looking forward to my next film with Shah Rukh Khan. Till now, we have only shared a director-actor relationship, barring a fleeting scene in Luck by Chance. This will be our first as co-stars.

Making music
I enjoy going to different places with my music band (Farhan Live) for live performances. I am focussed on making our gigs as good as possible and taking my passion for music ahead. I am also keen on creating some original Farhan Live content. However, time is at a premium now. But I do have plans to pursue singing seriously. I also take interest in poetry and am greatly influenced by my father (Javed Akhtar). His work and knowledge of things is very inspiring.
The Zoya factor
I have worked with my sister (Zoya Akhtar) on a lot of projects. We agree and disagree on a many things. We don't argue per se but creative discussions are bound to take place in any collaborative work. In our case, Zoya usually has the final word. She is the director! (laughs)

Pillar of strength
My wife, Adhuna is exceptionally supportive. I don't think it would be possible for me to work with the kind of passion that I have for films and the time that I choose to give it without her backing. As far as intimate scenes are concerned, I guess she understands that it is just a creative commitment and there are no emotions attached to it. She is very understanding about how important films are for me to be happy in life. On my part, I constantly woo Adhuna with songs. I don't know which is her favourite but there is a vast repertoire (of songs) that she likes.

By arrangement with Mid-Day.com

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Don't mind shouting from rooftops about my films: Farhan Akhtar

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar feels that movie promotions have become an essential part of the marketing blitzkrieg in Bollywood these days.

Farhan is currently gearing up for the release of 'Shaadi Ke Side Effects' and is on a promotional spree. "As actors who are part of the film we are here to serve for the marketing team and producers, and do things which are good for the film. They have a better overview.

But I do want to go around and tell people that my film is coming, I will go wherever I have been asked to do," Farhan told PTI. "I am happy to be part of this film and I am excited to tell people it is coming soon. I don't think less is more when it comes to telling people about work," he added.

Farhan is also a producer but not for 'Shaadi Ke Side Effects'. He was casted in the film and is also involved in the marketing aspect of this movie. "I think nothing happens in isolation.. everything is a team work. I did give ideas and suggestions if the concerned people are happy and convinced they accept it.
We all suggest things as we want best thing for the film," he added. Considering, it is all about numbers and how much business a film will collect at the box office, Farhan is hopeful that it will do well.

"We are happy with the final product and it is upto the audience to decide now after the film releases. We want our film to be successful but it is not possible to tell how much (business) the film will do," he added. The film directed by Saket Chaudhary stars Vidya Balan opposite Farhan and is set to release on February 28.

"I do enjoy comedy. It is great change from what I do. It is nice to do this kind of a film. It was an enjoyable experience working with Vidya and Vir Das," Farhan said. In the film, Farhan's character wants to move out of house and that is when he meets Vir Das and they party all night.
"I am happy to play this role, it is a fun part. It is not who I am in real life. It is not inspired from my real life. It is not necessary that everyone will have same life as this character has in the film. I have just followed the director," he said.

The 40-year-old actor who is married to hair stylist Adhuna for almost 14 years and has two kids -- Shakya and Akira -- did go for boy's night outs but admits that after marriage the frequency has come down.

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Why Vidya, Farhan gave 21 retakes for a scene in 'Shaadi Ke Side Effects'

Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan had to give 21 retakes for one scene for their upcoming film Shaadi Ke Side Effects.

It was an emotional scene, but they would end up giggling resulting in takes after takes. Director Saket Chaudhary says, “I really don’t remember the number of takes, but it was Vidya who first started breaking into a laughter and then Farhan did the same.

Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan

It went on for some time till they regained their composure to give the scene to be okayed by me.’’

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Farhan Akhtar 'flooded' with birthday wishes

Bollywood actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar celebrates his 40th birthday on Thursday. The actor's Twitter account was (in Farhan's words) 'flooded by birthday wishes from his friends in the film fraternity. Take a look!
Farhan's 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' co-star tweeted: @FarOutAkhtar happy happy bday to my dearest milkhu.ur one of t most awesome people I know.biggest hugggg n a super yr!
'Rock On' buddy Arjun Rampla writes: Happy birthday @FarOutAkhtar mere dost mere bhai. Welcome to the 40's and Rock On forever. Love and a big hug.
Abhishek Bachchan fills his tweet with humour: Here's wishing my buddy @FarOutAkhtar the happiest birthdays of all. Bas tu bhaag Fadhan!!!! Big love.
Arshad Warsi: Happy Birthday to the super talented @FarOutAkhtar ..... BHAAGwati..
Karan Johar: Happy Birthday @FarOutAkhtar !!! Known you for over three decades...and here's to many more!!! big Love and all the happiness!!! Huge hug!!
'Bigg Boss 7' winner gauahar Khan tweets: Happy birthday to 2 of my favourites..@TheFarahKhan @FarOutAkhtar .., may Allah bless u both.
A humble Farhan tweeted: And thank you all once again for the love and wishes flooding my timeline ... Big hug
We too wish Farhan Akhtar a very happy birthday.

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Shabana Azmi trashes Naseeruddin Shah's opinion on Farhan's Film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

 

 

One of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of 2013 was Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' (BMB). The comprehensive breathtaking bio-pic on Olympian athlete Milkha Singh has found an unlikely dissenter in thespian Naseeruddin Shah who has for reasons best known to him, lashed out at 'BMB', calling it and Farhan Akhtar's performance, "fake".

The remark has raised the hackles of many notable individuals in the entertainment industry. One of Naseer's old co-stars said, "Naseer should focus on the quality of his own work. After doing 'Jackpot' he is in no position to pass judgment on any film, let alone one that has deeply moved and inspired Indians and non-Indians across the world."

Farhan's step-mother Shabana Azmi who has worked extensively with Naseer in some of the most influential films of Indian cinema says Naseer's opinion on Farhan's performance and the film are not appreciated.

Says Shabana, "Farhan was outstanding in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. His performance gave me gooseflesh. He has raised the bar for what actors should demand from themselves while portraying real-life characters. Naseer is entitled to his opinion. But most Indians don't agree with him."

While Rakeysh Mehra and Farhan Akhtar desisted from comment, Prasoon Joshi who has written 'BMB' spoke exclusively on the controversy.

Says Prasoon, "I respect Naseer Saab and he's entitled to his opinion. But I don't agree with his opinion on 'BMB'. I've written the film. It has inspired and connected with people all across the world. It was not meant to be a documentary or a niche film."

Commenting on Naseer's opinion that Farhan Akhtar doesn't resemble Milkha, Prasoon says, "In my opinion Farhan has done a great job in terms of the character that I wrote. I had deliberately incorporated tones of fact and fiction. He has shone in his interpretation of the character. There are no false notes at all in his performance."

Pawan Malhotra who plays Milkha's coach also stands staunchly by the film. "You can't please everyone. I was and I am very happy to be part of 'BMB'."

When I cross-checked with Naseer he admitted he was not impressed by 'BMB'. "But the makers are convinced they've made a masterpiece. Look, spare me, will you? No one involved with that film gives a damn about my opinion. And I am not really keen to hurt their feelings."

Director Ajay Bahl agrees with Naseeruddin Shah. Says Bahl, "I didn't like 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' at all. I found the film too long. The script went all over the place and the direction was over-indulgent. However, I think Farhan Akhtar did a splendid job of recreating Milkha Singh's persona. The film just didn't match his performance."

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