Farhan Akhtar shares lesson from Don 3 fiasco: “Just take it in your stride” Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has opened up about the challenges surrounding Don 3, offering a measured response amid continuing speculation over the film’s status. In a recent interaction with The Hollywood Reporter India, Farhan reflected on setbacks and uncertainty, saying the experience has taught him one important lesson: to always expect surprises. Speaking candidly, Farhan said, “What I've learned is to expect the unexpected. Nothing can be taken for granted until you actually have it on film. That’s really what it is. ”He looked back at the start of his career and the people who believed in him early on. “I also feel that from the time that I began, from that moment when Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta, Dimple Kapadia, Saif Ali Khan, and Ritesh Sidhwani, as my partner, till they came on and said yes, ‘let’s make this film’ – from that moment on I've had the most incredible ride,” he shared. Farhan added that his career has largely been shaped by meaningful collaborations, whether as a director or actor. “It has just been about working with the people I want to work with, whether directing them or acting in films that I want to act in with directors. And it has been amazing. ”He further acknowledged that difficult phases are part of any long career and should be handled with maturity. “You realise that at some point, there will be a period that’s going to be a little bit more c... #Don #Farhan_Akhtar #measured_response #surrounding_Don #Akhtar_shares #Actor-filmmaker_Farhan #Akhtar #challenges_surrounding #response_amid #amid_continuing
Sunny Deol begins shoot for first film with Excel Entertainment and A. R. Murugadoss Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment is among the biggest production houses in Indian cinema. And they recently announced their next big project with Sunny Deol, which will also be produced by AR. Murugadoss. The film also stars Jyotika, who plays a pivotal role alongside him in this project. The news that Sunny Deol is headlining the project, who is currently basking in the success of Border 2, has already gained strong buzz and excitement. A source close to the actor has now revealed that the film will see him “stepping into a completely new zone” in his first-ever collaboration with Ritesh, Farhan, and Murugadoss, marking an exciting new chapter in his career. According to a source close to the actor, “After a roaring phase with back-to-back mass entertainers, Sunny Deol is now stepping into a completely new zone with a fresh character in his first-ever collaboration with Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, and A. R. Murugadoss for an untitled next. The theatrical is an Excel Entertainment production, produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, and A. R. Murugadoss. A one-of-a-kind action thriller, the film will be helmed by Balaji Ganesh, marking an exciting new chapter in Sunny Deol’s career. ”This has created immense excitement among audiences as they will get to see Sunny Deol take on a completely new role, known for his acting brilliance and strong screen pres... #Sunny_Deol #Sunny #Excel_Entertainment #Farhan_Akhtar #Ritesh_Sidhwani #Indian_cinema #Deol #Deol_begins #begins_shoot #Murugadoss
Sunny Deol fronts new Pan-India action thriller from top industry powerhouses A new action thriller backed by Excel Entertainment has officially gone on floors, marking the first collaboration between producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar and filmmaker A. R. Murugadoss with actor Sunny Deol. The yet-to-be-titled action thriller began filming on Friday, 27th February 2026, and the shoot is currently underway. The film also stars Jyotika in a pivotal role alongside Sunny Deol. Riding high on the success of Border 2, Sunny has reportedly dedicated his dates to complete this project during the summer of 2026. The film will be directed by debutant Balaji Ganesh, a Chennai-based filmmaker who has long worked as co-director with A. R. Murugadoss. Having been closely involved in story development, direction, and large-scale productions, Balaji now steps into the spotlight with his feature directorial debut, which is being positioned as a suspense-driven action thriller. The project brings together several industry names behind the scenes as well. The theatrical is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar and A. R. Murugadoss, with Kassim Jagmagia, Vishal Ramchandani, Aditya Joshi, Sunnil Jain and Yusuf Shaikh serving as co-producers. With a powerful production team, an experienced lead actor, and a fresh directorial voice, the film aims to deliver a large-scale action spectacle while introducing a new storytelling perspective to the genre. Also Read: Sunny Deol starrer G... #Sunny_Deol #Sunny #Excel_Entertainment #Farhan_Akhtar #Ritesh_Sidhwani #Deol #Deol_fronts #action_thriller #producers_Ritesh #thriller_backed
Farhan Akhtar-backed Boong wins at BAFTA 2026; beats Arco, Lilo & Stitch and Zootropolis 2 India registered a significant achievement at the BAFTA 2026 awards as the Manipuri-language film Boong won the Best Children’s & Family Film honour. Backed by Farhan Akhtar, the film emerged victorious over international nominees including Arco, Lilo & Stitch and Zootropolis 2. The win is being seen as a major moment for Indian cinema, particularly for stories emerging from the Northeast. It underscores the growing global visibility of regional narratives that centre on local realities while addressing universal themes. Farhan Akhtar attended the ceremony along with his wife, Shibani Dandekar. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong is set in Manipur against the backdrop of social and political unrest. The title translates to “little boy” in Manipuri. The film follows a young boy, Boong, played by Gugun Kipgen, who believes that reuniting his family will restore happiness to his mother, Mandakini, portrayed by Bala Hijam. Determined to find his missing father, Boong embarks on a journey with his best friend Raju, played by Angom Sanamatum. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BAFTA (@bafta) Their search takes them to the border town of Moreh and across into Myanmar, adding both emotional and geographical depth to the narrative. Through a child’s perspective, the film examines themes of loss, hope and resilience amid uncertainty. Before its theatrical r... #Farhan_Akhtar #India_registered #Farhan_Akhtar-backed #beats_Arco #Akhtar-backed_Boong #Manipuri-language_film #significant_achievement #Lilo #including_Arco #Stitch
Aamir Khan refutes reports of playing mediator in Farhan Akhtar-Ranveer Singh dispute Nowadays, one wonders where stories claiming to be authentic versions of the truth come from. The latest brainwave in the Bolly-burlesque has to do with Aamir Khan mediating between Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh in the ongoing dispute over Don 3. Confident reports, originating from one of the leading publications, claim Aamir is trying to “sort out” the mess between the two parties. But when this writer reached out to Aamir, he flatly denied any hand in the Ranveer-Farhan Akhtar dispute. And thus, one more baseless Bollywood headline bites the dust. Also Read: Aamir Khan plays peacemaker between Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar’s production house... #Aamir_Khan #Ranveer_Singh #Farhan_Akhtar #dispute_Nowadays #Khan_refutes #Farhan_Akhtar-Ranveer #Akhtar-Ranveer_Singh #playing_mediator #stories_claiming #authentic_versions
Farhan Akhtar to make Hollywood debut in Sam Mendes’ Beatles film series Indian actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar is set to make his Hollywood acting debut with a role in the upcoming multi-film project based on legendary British band The Beatles, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sam Mendes. The announcement, first reported by Variety, confirms that Akhtar has joined a growing international cast that includes Lucy Boynton, Harry Lawtey, and Morfydd Clark. Akhtar’s casting marks a significant milestone in his career, as he transitions into a large-scale international production backed by a major studio. While he has previously built a diverse body of work in Hindi cinema — both as an actor and director — this project represents his first major on-screen appearance in a Hollywood feature. The Beatles films, conceived as an interconnected series of biopics, will explore the lives of each band member through separate narratives. Mendes, known for mounting character-driven epics, is expected to bring a distinctive storytelling approach to the ambitious format. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shibani Akhtar (@shibaniakhtar) With production timelines and character details still under wraps, further announcements regarding the cast and creative team are anticipated in the coming months. Also Read: Inside the Explosive Don 3 meet: What really went down behind closed doors as Ritesh Sidhwani-Farhan Akhtar locked horns with Ranveer over Rs. 40 crores... #Farhan_Akhtar #Sam_Mendes’ #filmmaker_Sam #Indian_actor-filmmaker #legendary_British #Oscar-winning_filmmaker #Mendes’_Beatles #actor-filmmaker_Farhan #acting_debut #make_Hollywood
SCOOP: Ranveer Singh cites Baiju Bawra 'no compensation' experience in Don 3 showdown; brings up Shah Rukh Khan angle over Rs. 40 cr demand Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama reported on what happened at the meeting between Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment and Ranveer Singh after the latter walked out of Don 3. Both parties blamed each other for various reasons. Bollywood Hungama had earlier reported the key developments from the meeting in detail. Now, a reliable source has revealed another important point that was discussed. The source told Bollywood Hungama, “The bone of contention was that Ranveer Singh should pay Rs. 40 crores to Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani for the losses incurred in the pre-production of the film. Ranveer argued that he was not liable to pay as he had not taken a single paisa from the producers. Hence, paying back such a hefty amount was out of the question. ”The source continued, “Ranveer Singh also pointed out that he was to work in a film called Baiju Bawra, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He prepped for the challenging role for almost a year and turned down several films as a result. Ultimately, Baiju Bawra was shelved and Sanjay Leela Bhansali then began working on Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Ranveer revealed that he was not compensated for the year he spent preparing for the role. He further argued that it’s the nature of the business – at times, films don’t get made or... #Singh_cites #Rukh_Khan #Shah_Rukh #Bollywood_Hungama #Ranveer_Singh #Excel_Entertainment #Khan_angle #Baiju_Bawra #Farhan_Akhtar #Ritesh_Sidhwani
