Farhan Akhtar remains active in Hindi cinema in 2026. Online searches for Farhan Akhtar age, Farhan Akhtar wife Shibani Dandekar, Farhan Akhtar movies list, and Farhan Akhtar net worth continue to trend. Known as an actor, director, producer and singer, he has worked across film and streaming for more than two decades.

Farhan Akhtar was born on 9 January 1974 in Mumbai. He is 52 years old. He is the son of screenwriters Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani. His sister, Zoya Akhtar, is a filmmaker. In 1999, he co-founded Excel Entertainment with Ritesh Sidhwani. The company has produced films and web series that shaped modern Hindi content.

Early Life and Entry into Films

Farhan Akhtar studied at Maneckji Cooper School and later attended H.R. College in Mumbai. He grew up in a home linked to cinema and literature. His grandfather, Jan Nisar Akhtar, was an Urdu poet.

He began working on film sets as a teenager. At 17, he assisted during the making of Lamhe (1991). He later worked in advertising and assisted directors before turning to writing and direction.

Directorial Debut with Dil Chahta Hai

Farhan Akhtar made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai in 2001. The film focused on friendship and urban youth. It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Many critics credit the film with influencing a shift in storytelling style in Bollywood.

He directed Lakshya (2004), a film about personal growth set against a military background. The film gained respect over time.

In 2006, he directed Don, starring Shah Rukh Khan. The remake performed well at the box office. He returned with Don 2 in 2011, which earned strong overseas collections.

Acting Career Begins with Rock On!!

Farhan Akhtar began acting in Rock On!! (2008). He also sang for the soundtrack. The film won the National Film Award for Best Hindi Film, and he received the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.

In Luck By Chance (2009), directed by Zoya Akhtar, he played a struggling actor. The film received praise from critics.

He starred in Karthik Calling Karthik (2010), playing a reserved office worker. His performance earned positive feedback despite mixed reviews for the film.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

In 2011, he starred in and co-wrote Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The film performed strongly at the box office and won several awards.

In 2013, Farhan Akhtar portrayed athlete Milkha Singh in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. He trained for months to prepare for the role. The film became a major commercial success. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance.

Later Films and Streaming Projects

Farhan Akhtar appeared in Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) and Wazir (2016). He later worked in Lucknow Central (2017) and The Sky Is Pink (2019).

The Sky Is Pink premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received praise, though its box office numbers remained modest.

In 2021, he starred in Toofaan, where he played a boxer. The film released on a streaming platform.

In 2026, it was announced that Farhan Akhtar will portray musician Ravi Shankar in The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, directed by Sam Mendes. The project marks his entry into a major international film series.

Production Work Through Excel Entertainment

Excel Entertainment has produced films such as Fukrey, Raees, Gully Boy, and Phone Bhoot. The company has also backed web series including Inside Edge, Mirzapur, and Made in Heaven.

In 2024, the company produced Boong. In January 2026, the film received a nomination in the Best Children’s and Family Film category at the British Academy Film Awards.

Personal Life: Wife Shibani Dandekar and Children

Farhan Akhtar married hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani in 2000. They have two daughters, Shakya and Akira. The couple divorced in 2017.

He began dating Shibani Dandekar in 2018. They married on 19 February 2022 in a private ceremony in Khandala. Searches for Farhan Akhtar wife name and Farhan Akhtar marriage date remain common online.

Social Work and Public Role

Farhan Akhtar launched the MARD campaign (Men Against Rape and Discrimination) in 2012. The initiative focuses on gender awareness and social responsibility. He has served as a Regional UN Women Ambassador for South Asia since 2016.

In 2023, he received the Kamla Bhasin Award for his work in promoting gender equality.

Current Position in 2026

Farhan Akhtar continues to balance acting, production and social initiatives. His upcoming role as Ravi Shankar places him in a global project with international reach. At the same time, Excel Entertainment maintains a steady presence in film and streaming.

Public interest in Farhan Akhtar age, Farhan Akhtar wife Shibani Dandekar, and Farhan Akhtar movies list remains strong. His career reflects steady work across direction, acting and production.

FAQs

Q1. Who is Farhan Akhtar?
A leading Indian actor, filmmaker and singer known for Dil Chahta Hai, Rock On!!, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

Q2. What is Farhan Akhtar’s age?
He is 52 years old (born 9 January 1974).

Q3. Who is Farhan Akhtar’s wife?
He is married to Shibani Dandekar since 2022. He was previously married to Adhuna Bhabani.

Q4. What are Farhan Akhtar’s most famous movies?
Some of his well-known films include Dil Chahta Hai, Rock On!!, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and Don.