It’s Difficult Working for My Children Zoya & Farhan: Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar, the renowned lyricist and poet, has been a part of the Indian film industry for decades. He has collaborated with many prominent filmmakers and has written lyrics for some of the most iconic songs in Bollywood. Recently, in an interview, Javed shared his experiences of working with his own children, director Zoya Akhtar and actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. He revealed that it’s indeed “difficult” to work with his kids, and we can’t help but agree with him.
In the interview, Javed expressed that it’s easier to work for others, but working for your own children is a different ball game altogether. He said, “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.” This statement resonated with many parents who have worked with their children, only to realize that it’s indeed challenging to separate personal and professional relationships.
Javed’s children, Zoya and Farhan, are both successful in their own right. Zoya has directed films like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” and “Gully Boy”, while Farhan has acted in films like “Rock On!!” and “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”. It’s no surprise that their father, Javed, finds it difficult to work with them. After all, when you’re working with your children, it’s natural to have a certain level of emotional involvement, which can sometimes blur the lines between personal and professional relationships.
Javed also referred to Zoya as a “tough taskmaster”, which is a testament to her dedication and perfectionism as a filmmaker. Zoya has always been known for her attention to detail and her ability to bring out the best in her team. It’s no wonder that Javed, who has collaborated with her on several projects, has developed a healthy respect for her professionalism.
Working with family members can be challenging, especially when it comes to criticism and feedback. Javed’s statement about his children feeling the need to say something suggests that he faces criticism from them as well. However, as a parent, it’s natural to want to protect your children from any kind of negativity, whether it’s related to their work or personal lives.
In recent years, there have been several instances of family members working together in the film industry. We’ve seen siblings like Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, as well as cousins like Alia and Shaheen Bhatt, collaborate on various projects. While it’s wonderful to see family members working together, it’s also essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance and not let personal relationships influence professional decisions.
Javed’s experience working with his children is a reminder that, no matter how close we are to our family members, it’s essential to maintain a level of professionalism and respect in our working relationships. While it’s natural to want to support and guide our loved ones, it’s also important to give them the space to grow and learn from their own experiences.
In conclusion, Javed Akhtar’s statement about finding it difficult to work with his children Zoya and Farhan is a relatable one. As parents, we often struggle to separate our personal and professional relationships, especially when it comes to our children. However, by maintaining a healthy level of professionalism and respect, we can navigate these challenges and still have a strong and loving relationship with our family members.
