“It does not feel any different being directed by a first-timer as long as I am convinced that the director is passionate about the film he or she is making. If you get a sense of their vision for the film and their aesthetics of your performance, then it does not matter whether you work with a new or an experienced director.”

Indian actor, filmmaker and singer

Farhan Akhtar is an Indian actor, filmmaker and singer in Hindi cinema. Born into a film family, he was raised by screenwriters Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani. He is also credited with helping shape contemporary Hindi film through his work as a performer and behind the camera. In 1999, he co-founded the production company Excel Entertainment with Ritesh Sidhwani. Alongside acting and directing, he has built a career as a singer, and his work spans the creative roles of performer, filmmaker and music artist in the Hindi film industry.