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Farhan Akhtar Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth9 January 1974

Age51 Years

BirthplaceMumbai, Maharashtra, India

ProfessionActor, Producer, Director, Screenwriter, Singer

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseShibani Dandekar

FamilyFather: Javed Akhtar; Mother: Honey Irani; Stepmother: Shabana Azmi; Sister: Zoya Akhtar

Net worthRs. 140 Crores ($22 Million)

Farhan Akhtar Biography

Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker and performer known for his work as a director, producer, actor, screenwriter and singer. Born in Mumbai into a family

Early life and background

Farhan Akhtar was born on 9 January 1974 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He grew up in a family with a strong literary and film background: his father is lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar and his mother is Honey Irani, who worked as an actress and screenwriter. His childhood included formative experiences with storytelling and performance, and he spent his school years at Maneckji Cooper School in Mumbai. He later attended H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, but left the college in his second year due to attendance issues.

Career

Farhan began his career working behind the scenes in the Indian film industry. Early roles included assisting on films and working in advertising production. He made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai in 2001, a film that brought him both critical recognition and industry awards. He has since worn many hats in cinema: director, producer, screenwriter and actor. As a producer he was associated with the 2006 film Don, and as an actor his film debut came with Rock On!! in 2008.

His work has earned multiple accolades. For Dil Chahta Hai he received recognition for screenplay and the film won national honours. Rock On!! brought awards for the film and for his work as an actor he has been honoured with Filmfare prizes including Best Male Debut for Rock On!!, Best Supporting Actor for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Best Actor for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. His films Dil Chahta Hai and Rock On!! were both acknowledged with National Film Awards as Best Feature Film in Hindi.

Farhan has taken on physically demanding preparations for roles when required. For the biopic of an Indian athlete he trained intensively for around eighteen months to inhabit the character authentically. He is also a certified skydiver and has incorporated personal experiences into his cinematic work. In addition to filmmaking and acting he performs as a singer and has appeared in numerous advertising campaigns over the years.

Public profile

Farhan’s family connections and collaborations have been a visible part of his public life. His sister Zoya Akhtar is a director and screenwriter with whom he has collaborated, and members of his extended family include filmmakers and entertainers. He is publicly identified with a secular outlook and the profile lists his religion as atheist. He has been a public advocate on social issues, and serves as an ambassador for UN Women’s goodwill initiatives.

He is also known for personal interests that include collecting gadgets, singing and travel. Physically, the public profile lists him at approximately 175 cm (5'9") and around 70 kg. He has a tattoo on his right shoulder. He has appeared as a judge at beauty pageants and has been involved in launching social campaigns, including one focused on men’s roles in ending violence against women.

Personal life

Farhan’s first marriage was to hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani in 2000; the couple later separated. He married Shibani Dandekar on 19 February 2022. He is a father to two daughters, Shakya and Akira. His household and residence details are part of his public profile, and his listed hometown is Lucknow while he has settled in Mumbai.

Latest updates

Farhan continues to juggle multiple roles across filmmaking, acting and music. He remains active in public advocacy and brand endorsements, and his career includes a string of award-winning films both as a creative lead and as a producer. He is often referenced for his versatility in the Indian film industry and for collaborations with family and peers on high-profile projects.
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Recent Work

Don

Produced the 2006 film Don

2006
Rock On!!

Acted in the 2008 film Rock On!! (acting debut)

2008
Dil Chahta Hai

Made his directorial debut with the 2001 film Dil Chahta Hai

2001
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Career Highlights

  1. Directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
  2. Acting debut in Rock On!! (2008)
  3. Produced Don (2006)
  4. Multiple Filmfare awards including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Male Debut
  5. National Film Awards for Dil Chahta Hai and Rock On!!
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Net Worth

Rs. 140 Crores ($22 Million)

Figures are editorial estimates based on publicly available reporting and may change as new information emerges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Farhan Akhtar born?

9 January 1974

What is Farhan Akhtar known for?

Actor, Producer, Director, Screenwriter, Singer

What is Farhan Akhtar’s marital status?

Married

Who is Farhan Akhtar married to?

Shibani Dandekar

What is Farhan Akhtar’s net worth?

Rs. 140 Crores ($22 Million)