Born to writer Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani, Farhan Akhtar is considered as one of the most brilliant and creative directors, actors and screen writers today. Farhan has created a niche for himself within a very small time span. He is looked up as a trendsetter, who is capable of changing the rules of filmmaking and the face of Indian cinema around the world.

He did his schooling from Maneckji Cooper School, Juhu, and later joined HR College, for a degree in Commerce, though he left it, in the second year. Farhan started his career by working as an apprentice with cinematographer-director, Manmohan Singh at 17, for films like ‘Lamhe’, before going on to assist director Pankaj Parashar in film ‘Himalayputra ‘, followed by working in a television production house for three years doing various jobs.

He made his writing and directorial debut in Hindi cinema with the hit film, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, produced by Excel Entertainment Pvt Ltd, a production company he co-established along with childhood friend Ritesh Sidwani. It was a critical and commercial success, especially amongst the younger generation.

Akhtar then moved onto his next project, ‘Lakshya’ - the movie was not a box office success but his direction and screenplay was appreciated by the critics. He then directed a remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan film, Don titled ‘Don - The Chase Begins’. Again the movie was a huge success commercially.

In 2008, Akhtar made his acting debut in ‘Rock On’!!. It was critically acclaimed as well as a Box office hit. The film did exceptionally well particularly in the metros. He also appeared as the male lead in his sister Zoya`s directorial debut, ‘Luck By Chance’. His recent film ‘Kartik Calling Kartik’ was not a huge hit, but Farhan’s acting was again well received.

Apart from acting and direction, Farhan has also lend his voice to the of ‘Rock On’. He has also written the lyrics for ‘Lagan’ and ‘Bride & Prejudice’.
He has appeared as a judge on a few shows on television, including the first season of the dance-reality show, ‘Nach Baliye’ (2005), and the beauty pageant, Femina Miss India (in 2002). He is also a TV host for ‘Oye! It`s Friday’.