‘Farhan was on the verge of strangling me’

It was time for some quality time with the family on the sets of Indian Idol. Not only did the contestants get a chance to meet their loved ones, but Javed Akhtar also got ‘lucky by chance’.

His children, Farhan and Zoya, joined him on the judges’ table for the galas where they enjoyed and critiqued the performances, and also spoke about their upcoming film, Luck By Chance And we didn’t miss our chance of getting a one-on-one with talented duo. Excerpts.

Can we call you a fan of Indian idol?

Zoya: I used to watch the last season. But I have to admit that I have not been able to watch this season properly because I was busy with the shooting and all the related work.

I believe this was the first time the two of you and your father are on a television together.

Farhan: Yes, it was a reunion of sorts. [Smiles.] It was also great because Sonali Bendre, Kailash Kher and Annu Malek are also friends.

Do you think such promotions on reality shows help a film?

Zoya: It’s a very aggressive world. Promoting on television is key. I believe, when in Rome do like the Romans do. Another connect between Indian Idol and Luck By Chance is Amit Paul. He was a contestant on Indian Idol season 3 and he has debuted in Bollywood playback singing with our film.

Farhan: Truth be told, I don’t know. They invited us and we were happy to accept. I even did a Luck By Chance special on my show, Oye It’s Friday, where I invited guests from the film. I think it’s a win-win situation for both the film and the reality show. For the TV viewers, it’s a different thing—new guests, new situations. And for the film, it’s more promotion.

We’ve been able to piece together what the film is about from the trailers. But could you elaborate on it a little?

Zoya: It’s a film about people who want to make it in the Indian film industry, how they navigate the turbulent waters and how their relationship changes each others’ lives forever. It’s an ensemble film with the main protagonists being a struggler [played by Farhan] and a starlet [played by Konkona Sen]—they are the key.

The main theme is how these two people cope in an industry where your success and your failures are defined by the world outside.

Was there any actor that you wanted in a cameo role, but you couldn’t get?

Zoya: No, not at all. I was not going for a free for all. There were select situations, key moments for which I wanted certain people and I got everyone that I had in mind.

How was it working with Farhan?

Zoya: It was great. He is a fantastic actor. And he is a great dancer, too. But I remember for the Baawre song I had both of them on the sets together and I would put Farhan on right after Hrithik shot his dance sequence. Farhan was on the verge of strangling me. [Laughs.]

Farhan: You have to understand that Hrithik is one of the finest dancers we have in films. He’s had years to perfect his moves. And there I was, being forced to do the exact same steps that had been created for him by Vaibhavi [the choreographer]. [Laughs.] So it took me some time to understand the physics!

Was there anything else that you had difficulty with in the film?

Farhan: I didn’t have any problems emoting, if that’s what you mean [Smiles.] But I certainly had a problem with the songs. A song and dance is not part of real life, so it took a little bit of time to adjust to it. In Rock On!!, the songs felt a little bit more natural to me because the story is about a rock band.

Do you believe in Luck By Chance?

Farhan: I believe luck has a certain role in life. But it favours only those who work really hard. You can’t sit idle and then expect to be lucky. You have to be sincere and focussed about your work and then you will have opportunity coming knocking on your door.

Actor or director. Which do you prefer being?

Farhan: I like them both. When I’m acting, I enjoy it to the hilt. And when I’m directing, I love that, too. I don’t think I like one better than the other and I don’t think I can choose between the two.

Leave a Comment