It’s Difficult Working for My Children Zoya & Farhan: Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar, the renowned lyricist and poet, has spoken candidly about the challenges he faces while working with his children, Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar. In a recent interview, Javed revealed that it’s indeed “difficult” to work with his own children, who are directors Zoya Akhtar and actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, respectively.
Javed Akhtar, who has been a part of the Indian film industry for over four decades, has worked with some of the biggest names in Bollywood. With a career spanning multiple decades, he has penned some of the most iconic songs in Indian cinema. Now, at the age of 78, Javed is still active in the industry, working with his children on various projects.
However, Javed has confessed that working with his children is a different ball game altogether. In an interview, 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 sentiment is quite relatable, especially for parents who have worked with their children on projects. It’s natural to expect a certain level of criticism or feedback from family members, which can be challenging to navigate. Javed’s observation highlights the fact that, when it comes to working with family, there is a fine line between being objective and being too protective or biased.
Javed also had some praise for his daughter Zoya, whom he described as a “tough taskmaster”. This is not the first time that Javed has spoken about Zoya’s directorial skills. In the past, he has praised her for her dedication and attention to detail, saying that she is one of the most hardworking people he has ever met.
Zoya Akhtar has made a name for herself in the industry with her critically acclaimed films like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”, “Dil Dhadakne Do”, and “Gully Boy”. Her father’s praise is a testament to her talent and perseverance. Farhan Akhtar, on the other hand, has also made a mark in the industry with his acting and direction. He has worked on films like “Bollywood Hero”, “Dil Dhadakne Do”, and “Toofaan”.
Javed’s comments about working with his children come at a time when there is a growing trend of family members collaborating on projects in the Indian film industry. With the rise of nepotism, it’s not uncommon to see parents and children working together on films. However, Javed’s remark highlights the fact that family ties can sometimes create challenges when it comes to working together.
In conclusion, Javed Akhtar’s candid admission about the difficulties of working with his children is a refreshing take on the challenges of family collaboration. It’s a reminder that, even with the best of intentions, working with family can be tough, especially when it comes to maintaining a professional relationship.
