When he made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai about 15 years ago, it turned out to be a cult classic, creating a new trend in Bollywood. Seven years later, he forayed into acting and singing with Rock On, and it marked the birth of a star. Ever since, Farhan Akhtar has been on a roll, delivering hits after hits be it as director, actor, producer or singer.
Now, the entire nation is eagerly anticipating the release of Rock On 2, which is all set to hit the screens this week. In a candid conversation, the 42-year-old speaks about the film, on how he balances roles, about his upcoming music concerts and more.
After Don 2 (director and producer) and Shaadi Ke Side Effects (actor), Rock On 2 marks the third film sequel, in which Farhan is a part. Discussing the challenges involved in making the sequels of cult films, he says, “It is a responsibility and it is the only thing you can try and do. I don’t think it’s possible to ever replicate something that’s happened before. Even when we made Rock On, nobody knew what was going to happen to it. And what happened to that film was truly on its own merit. All we can do now is try and be as honest, dedicated and committed as we were in making the first one. Hopefully people will recognise that again.”
As the conversation veers towards him donning various hats quite seamlessly, he reveals that it is easy for him as he is equally passionate about acting, directing, singing and producing. “It’s very difficult for me to segregate these things within myself. But I enjoy all of them tremendously,” he admits.
Considering it has almost been five years since he has directed a film, can we see him helm a project very soon? “Don’t have an answer now,” he solemnly replies.
The Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara actor is also excited to perform at the Enchanted Valley Carnival in Aamby Valley Airstrip, near Pune, on December 17 and 18. “Music has always had the ability to create magic. When I see the lineup of people who are going to play in EVC 2016, there are incredible names. I’m really happy to perform there and hopefully people will love my performance!” he exclaims.
Adding that the Indian film industry is going through a ‘transitional phase’ in its approach to music, Farhan feels that it has begun to serve musicians as much as it helps movies themselves.
“We’re moving away from having one music composer for a score. Indie music offers that. So, it works well for both sides — you’re getting an assured release for your song, marketing and promotion — and from the producer’s point of view, you’re getting music that’s not the run-of-the-mill music that you’d get from someone who’s done 80 films before that!”
On a concluding note, when we ask if he would ever make a foray down south and do a film in Kollywood, he diplomatically replies, “The closest I’ve ever got to an offer from the south Indian movie industry was when I was once asked to sing a Telugu song. I couldn’t do it because I cannot speak that language. You should be able to emote when you sing, so I had to say no. That’s the closest I’ve ever come to being a part of a south Indian film!”
(With inputs from Christopher Isaac)
