Farhan Akhtar set to rock Abu Dhabi

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Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar

Bollywood actor to perform his first concert in emirate

By Ashwani Kumar

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Published: Tue 9 Aug 2016, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Wed 10 Aug 2016, 9:07 PM

 Multi-talented Indian artist Farhan Akhtar will perform for the first time in Abu Dhabi this Friday, and he tells us he is super excited about it.
The actor-singer-director and music composers, Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani are set to rock the emirate during the Bollywood in the Capital show taking place at du Forum, Yas Island on August 12.
Fans will get to hear tracks from Akhtar's hit movies Rock On!, Dil Dhadakne Do, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and others, but a surprise could be in store as the audience may get a sneak peek of songs from the Rock On!! 2 sequel.
We talk to the 'New Age Angry Young Man' of Hindi cinema to know more.
How does it feel to perform for the first time in Abu Dhabi?
I am very excited about it. It's a great festival (Bollywood in the Capital). It has some exceedingly talented people. I am fortunate to share the stage with the likes of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Vishal-Shekhar and Shaan.
What can we expect to hear? Any surprises?
I don't want to reveal too much on what we are going to do at the show. But everything that's going to happen will happen on stage. If there is a surprise planned, then I will save it for the day. But there are always surprises in life.
Which has been your most challenging movie till date?
All movies have their own challenges. I don't think one movie can be said to be easier than the other. When you are committed to something and passionate about it, then it's not difficult. However, Lakshya was a challenge to create and present. And the other one was Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
What are the key changes in filmmaking from Dil Chahta Hai to Don 2 till date?
Many things. Technology has come a very long way. It has helped, and even changed the way you tell stories. Nothing is constant in the creative field. There will be changes as we go along.
Do you get tense or anxious when a new movie of yours is releasing?
There are many questions running in your mind like what will people think? Will they like the movie or not? It's also a celebration. At the end of the day, you have completed something and you are now sharing it with the world.
What role have your parents (Javed Akhtar, Honey Irani) played in your success?
If you have parents who are supportive, instill confidence and self belief in you, then it's a very helpful thing. And that's what my parents have done. They have given Zoya (Farhan's sister) and me the freedom of choice, freedom to experience things and to learn from those experiences. They have always been there for us whenever we needed them. I don't think we could've asked anything more from them.
You are very vocal on social media on issues like terror, abuse and accidents. Are you fed up with the system?
Fed up is too extreme a term. The only thing I am really fed up of is the potholes in Mumbai! You do get frustrated by the things happening globally. It makes you angry but you have to stay positive, optimistic and live with the hope that you can make a change. I try to create a better environment for generations to follow.
The media has linked you with your co-stars (Aditi Rao Hydari, Shraddha Kapoor and Kalki Koechlin). How do you react to reports?
Beyond a certain point I don't think about it. But as long as you are all entertained what can I say...
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com  


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