Javed Akhtar says it's easier to work for others than for his own children Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar: 'Tough taskmaster hai…'

Javed Akhtar is a name that needs no introduction in the Indian film industry. From writing timeless lyrics to scripting unforgettable films, he’s done it all. But even after decades in the industry, he says it’s not easy to work with his own children Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar.

In a recent chat with The Lallantop, the celebrated lyricist opened up about what it’s really like to work with Zoya and Farhan on their projects. And no, it’s not always smooth sailing.

'Kaam karna apne bachho ke liye bada mushkil hai'

When asked which of his children is stricter to work with, Javed didn’t hold back. He admitted that working with Zoya and Farhan is far tougher than working with other directors.

He said, “Dusro ke liye kaam karna asaan hain apne bachho ke liye bada mushkil hain. Unko aisa nahi hai ki hamara baap hain toh hum kuch kahe nahin. Humein toh kuch kehna hi hain. Zoya tough taskmaster hai.” (It’s easier to work for others; working for your own children is very difficult. They don’t think, ‘He’s our father so we won’t say anything.’ In fact, they feel they must say something. Zoya is a tough taskmaster.)

Two siblings, two different filmmakers

Javed also spoke about how Zoya and Farhan may be siblings, but their filmmaking styles couldn’t be more different.
“Dono hoshiyaar hain aur dono alag-alag tarah ke film banate hain. Common nahi hain. Ab jis tarah ki film Farhan banate hain Zoya nahi bana sakti. Jis tarah ki Zoya banayi hain Farhan nahi bana sakta. Unka definitely alag-alag school hain. Both of them are doing well.” (Both of them are smart, and both make films in very different ways. They aren’t similar. The kind of film Farhan makes, Zoya cannot make. And the kind Zoya has made, Farhan cannot make. They definitely belong to different schools of filmmaking. Both of them are doing well)

Zoya Akhtar: From 'Luck By Chance' to 'The Archies'

Zoya has built a name for herself with stories that touch the heart. She began her journey with ‘Luck By Chance’ and went on to deliver hits like ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ and ‘Gully Boy’. Her stories often explore relationships, emotions, and the complexities of modern life.

Farhan Akhtar: A man of many talents

Farhan Akhtar is not just a director – he’s also an actor, writer, producer, and singer. He made a big splash with his directorial debut ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, a film that changed the way we saw friendship on screen. He went on to direct action-packed films like ‘Don’, and showed his acting skills in movies like ‘Rock On!!’, ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’. Farhan is now getting ready for his next big film, ‘Don 3’, with Ranveer Singh stepping into the role.

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