The policy document showcases an engagement with Farhan Akhtar's insights and experiences from his work as a filmmaker, actor, singer, and writer. The focus is on storytelling techniques, authenticity in filmmaking, overcoming challenges during production, adapting to new technology like sync sound, exploring themes and characters such as friendship and determination, casting decision-making processes, and the personal inspirations behind films like Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Don, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Akhtar underscores the importance of originality, honesty, empathy, and the impact on audiences when a film lacks integrity. He also highlights his father's critical but supportive role in shaping his scripts. The tone is professional, presenting these insights without bias or speculation.
**Summary**: The text captures key takeaways from Farhan Akhtar’s masterclass at WAVES 2025, emphasizing elements such as authentic storytelling, facing challenges with resilience, the significance of sync sound technology in filmmaking, learning from personal experiences, and the creative influence of family member inputs. Akhtar stresses the importance of integrity, honesty, and empathy for writers. His reflections also touch upon his approach to character transformation and casting decisions, underscoring themes like friendship and determination that resonate deeply with viewers.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Information Broadcasting: Government organization responsible for information and broadcasting in the policy text.
The Art of Storytelling: Farhan Akhtar Shares His Journey at WAVES 2025: Title of a masterclass session during an event where acclaimed filmmaker, actor, and writer Farhan Akhtar shared insights on storytelling.
WAVES 2025: Event or conference themed around aspects of film industry or arts as indicated by the context.
Farhan Akhtar: Acclaimed filmmaker, actor, and writer known for his works which were discussed during the masterclass.
Dil Chahta Hai: One of Farhan Akhtar’s films described in detail during the session about the importance of authenticity in filmmaking.
Lakshya: Another one of Farhan Akhtar’s films mentioned with emphasis on shooting locations and technical challenges.
Don: A film that was a challenge to reimagine, according to Farhan Akhtar during his session.
Milkha Singh: A sports personality whose spirit inspired the making of one of Farhan Akhtar’s last films mentioned. Referenced for the importance of hard work and focus on skill.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
The Art of Storytelling: Farhan Akhtar Shares His
Journey at WAVES 2025
Farhan Akhtar reflects on storytelling, self-belief, and
evolving with the craft
Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:19PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 2 May 2025
Acclaimed filmmaker, actor and writer Farhan Akhtar took centre stage at WAVES 2025 in a masterclass titled
“The Craft of Direction”, moderated by Gaurav Kapur. The session offered an intimate glimpse into Akhtar’s
journey as a storyteller, exploring the evolution of cinema, the challenges of direction, and the need for
authenticity in filmmaking.
Opening the conversation, Farhan called WAVES “a very empowering event” and reflected on his creative roots.
When asked whether he preferred any particular facet of his multifaceted career from singing and acting to
directing, he likened it to “choosing a favourite child,” acknowledging that while there may be a quiet preference,
every role carries its own joy.
Revisiting the making of Dil Chahta Hai, a film that redefined contemporary Hindi cinema, Farhan said, “I wanted
to write something real, about friendship, about people like us. You shouldn’t imitate others. Audiences can sense
when something lacks integrity.” He credited honesty and empathy as essential traits for any writer, encouraging
young creators to stay focused and embrace setbacks as part of the journey."
The session was filled with anecdotes, from the difficulties of casting his debut film to the use of sync sound,
which was a new experience for most of the actors in the film. “They were used to dubbing. Sync sound made
them nervous,” he said, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new technology in filmmaking.
Talking about Lakshya, Farhan described the physical and emotional toll of shooting in Ladakh and the heartbreak
of discovering technical issues post-filming. “We had to go back. But when we did, we got some of the most
stunning shots,” he recalled, adding, “Everything happens for a reason.”
On Don, he shared how the idea came while listening to the original score on a train ride. The challenge was not
remaking the film, but reimagining it. “What new meaning could I give to Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi…? That
was the real test.” He said he wrote the film with Shah Rukh Khan in mind, noting that he himself was a big fan of
the original.
He spoke fondly of his father Javed Akhtar and sister Zoya Akhtar, both key sounding boards for his scripts. “My
dad is the most brutal. He’ll just ask, ‘Why are you making this?’” When asked about his father's favourites,
Farhan mentioned Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara among others.
Recalling his transformation for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, he said it was Milkha Singh’s spirit that inspired him. “Milkha
ji wanted the story to tell the next generation to work hard and focus on skill. That energy pushed all of us.”
To a packed audience, Farhan’s advice was clear and resonant: “Don’t be a character in someone else’s story.
Write your own. And never underestimate the value of discipline.”
The session ended with questions from the audience, rounding off an engaging, honest, and inspiring masterclass
that celebrated not just cinema, but the courage it takes to carve one’s own path.
* * *PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Lekshmipriya/ Poushali/ Nikhitha/ Darshana | 146
(Release ID: 2126204)