Wishing Our Youth Icon & The Creative Genius, Farhan Akhtar

Farhan Akhtar is one of those few names in the Indian Film & Music Industry that has successfully managed to belt out exceptional content while having a solid foot in both - mainstream and independent cinema. On his 44th birthday, Loudest wishes him all the very best and hopes for bigger and better things from this multifaceted director, screenwriter, producer, actor, playback singer and television host.

The Emergence Of Modern Youth Culture

[embed]https://youtu.be/9coA7bcpJII[/embed] “DIL CHAHTA HAIN” - Need I say more? Even after 16 years of it’s release DCH is one of those feel good movies that’s as relevant as ever and will ALWAYS be a modern day classic. Apart from it being Farhan’s directorial debut he also wrote the screenplay, story and dialogues for the film.

The Epitome of Commercial Success And Creative Vision

After movies like Lakshya and his Hollywood debut through the soundtrack of ‘Bride & Prejudice’ Farhan went on to make the commercially successful blockbuster hit ‘Don’. Most people aren’t aware of his stint with directing & producing a hard-hitting short movie called ‘Positive’ to spread awareness on HIV-AIDS. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evsjTDgPeAU[/embed]

The Actor, Singer & Songwriter

Akhtar’s first movie he acted in was ‘The Fakir Of Venice’ which was set for release before Rock on! and was supposed to be his acting debut. Owing to several delays, it was released in mid-2009. Akhtar described its script as "very powerful", while emphasizing that it "touches upon weaknesses and confusions in all human beings. While watching this beautiful movie, It’s hard to believe that this was his debut as an actor! [embed]https://youtu.be/Du6u7TYYw7Q[/embed] His official debut was with the 2008 cult movie ‘Rock On!’ He captivated us with his real and mesmerizing acting skills and hasn’t disappointed since. I think the music & lyrics of this movie and his raspy vocals were a constant reminder of how songwriting and singing came so naturally to Farhan and the audiences embraced it and how! Rock On might have been an ‘average grosser’ at the Box Office, but it left such an impact on the youth that the sequel to the first rock musical was met with a huge success in 2016. [embed]https://youtu.be/F3O3akbY8UU[/embed] Farhan added so many more feathers to his cap by making movies like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Karthik Calling Karthik, Don 2, and shone through in the biopic Bhaag Milha Bhag directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Farhan Akhtar As A Host For Witty Talk Show

Akhtar also hosted a light hearted variety talk show on NDTV India called ‘Oye! It’s Friday’ and featured a number of celebrities like Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and so many more. It was also a great platform to showcase our very own music talent with musical guests and performances by the likes of Kailash Kher, Hard Kaur and Anoushka Shankar. [embed]https://youtu.be/pZ0bfFb88mY[/embed]

Farhan Akhtar is the real ‘MARD’

Men Against Rape and Discrimination or MARD/M.A.R.D is a 2013 social campaign launched by Farhan Akhtar aiming to raise awareness against rape and discrimination of women. Akhtar conceived MARD after the horrific 2012 incident of a Mumbai lawyer, Pallavi Purkayastha was brutally murdered by her watchman for fighting for her dignity because he tried to sexually assault her. From it’s launch, the campaign received an outpour of support on Social Media sites and was supported by actors like Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Arjun Rampal to name a few. [embed]https://youtu.be/MRcST0uYxXw[/embed] Looking back on his brilliant movies, music and the man himself, we can't wait to see what Farhan has in store for audiences now. He truly seems to be the bridge that connects and represents youth culture to the obsolete ways of the industry. Thank you for your enormous contribution to the rather drab world of Indian film & music industry!