As An Actor Farhan Akhtar Had A Fabulous Year With Bhaag Milkha Bhaag In The Running As One Of The Most Influential Movies Of Our Times. He Talks To Subhash K Jha

You seem to more active as an actor than a filmmaker?
When you are surfing , and you catch a nice wave, you don't leave it halfway through to find a better one.I am in that kind of a space. This journey seems so correct. I am truly enjoying this experience , working with the people that I am working with right now.And I'm getting such wonderful opportunities to work with such amazing talent. I don't know when again I'll have this opportunity.I am just now looking forward to my next film as an actor.And that's in Dev Benegal's film.

The very gorgeous Kareena Kapoor Khan is your co-star in this film?
Yes.She is.And I am really looking forward to working with her.We start shooting together right after my forthcoming film Shaadi Ke Side Effects releases.

Does Dev's film give you the chance to do something new again?
Oh yes, that's almost become a subconscious precondition for every role I do. For me to consciously seek unpredictable roles would be dangerous. In some kind of away I am automatically drawn to roles that take me to the other end of the spectrum. I've just finished Saket Chowdhary's Shaadi Ke Side Effects. For the first time it truly feels like I am doing a romantic comedy.

You and Vidya Balan make an interesting pair?
I had a wonderful time working with her.It is about situations and dilemmas that all married couples go through. In every marital alliance there is always space for improvement and to adjust to your partner's point of view.To that extent it does have similarities to my own life. But then I guess every character you play has to steal into your own life to borrow moments. That's how you nail down the character.


This is the first time you're attempting a comedy?
As a full-on mood, yes. But there were pronounced elements of comedy in Zindagi Ne Milegi Dobara. When I read Saket's script I found it genuinely very funny. And at the same time it is maturely written.

Are you consciously selecting a different co-star each time?
What?! No! But come to think it's true. It's been a different co-star every time. I don't know how that is happening.I've made no conscious effort to pick different co-stars each time.But that's a good occurrence. Every time you work with a new co-star a whole new dynamic emerges.I am sure the same will happen with Kareena.

Tell me about the films that you and your friend Ritesh Sidhwani are producing?
There is my sister Zoya's film. It'd be shot when I am shooting Dev Benegal's film. But my work in the two films won't overlap.I have very seriously different looks for both the films.

You are in all the 2 films that Zoya has directed so far and now a third?
Yeah, and why not? I am happily a constant in her films. And besides she works with other actors too, doesn't she?

Zoya's films is about a brother and a sister? Is it based on your relationship with her?
No no. That confusions has prevailed for a while now. So let me take this opportunity to very clearly state that Zoya's film has nothing to do with our real-life relationship. It is entirely a work of fiction.


Are you doing any other films as an actor?
Yes, a film produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra to be directed by Bejoy Nambiar. It's Vidhu's script. That's something I am looking forward to.

This is the one where you share screen space with Mr Bachchan?Do you two play father and son?
Yes, and no.

How do you look back on the Bhaag Milkha Bhaag(BMB) experience?Would you call it your most decisive film ao far?
In terms of my personal evolution as an actor it stands tall. I actually led Milkhaji's life .So my own lifestyle reflected in the character.In all respects BMB is definitely a milestone. Having said that , I've to admit there are other films also that have taught me a lot as a director, writer and actor, for example Rock On.It would be unfair to single out BMB, unfair to the people I've collaborated with since I started in Dil Chahta Hai.So I'd say BMB is an essential part of my growth. Dil Chahta Hai and Rock On were also decisive.

Come to to think of it so many films of your have been trendsetters?
If you want to call them that. To me BMG is definitely a landmark. It has taught me so much.And every day I get a renewed sense of what this film continues to do. Last week I went for my daughter's sports day. All the little students there in school, even the shy little 6-7 year olds were hiding behind each other and calling out 'Milkha' to me.That felt wonderful.And a child's mother told me her son ties his teddybear around his waist and runs around the house.


Milkha has impacted the way we look at sports besides cricket?
Students have met me said that the film has changed the way sports and games are looked on in the college curriculum. I think the film has motivated many groups to excel. BMB has opened up a world of possibilities. It has inspired me to believe that the really difficult things in life can be achieved by sheer application.And it doesn't matter which vocation one is.