It’s Difficult Working for My Children Zoya & Farhan: Javed Akhtar
The legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar has recently spoken about the challenges of working with his own children, Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar, in the film industry. In a recent interview, Javed revealed that it’s indeed “difficult” to work for his children, who are both established directors and actors in their own right.
When asked about the experience of working with his kids, Javed candidly shared that it’s easier to work for others, whereas working for your own children can be a daunting task. “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,” Javed said.
This statement is quite relatable, especially for parents who have worked in the same industry as their children. It’s natural to expect some level of deference or respect from your own children, but Javed’s experience suggests that’s not always the case. As a parent, it can be challenging to maintain that professional boundary and not take their opinions or critiques personally.
Javed also referred to Zoya as a “tough taskmaster,” which is high praise indeed. Zoya has established herself as a talented director, with films like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” and “Dil Dhadakne Do” to her credit. Her father’s acknowledgment of her tough standards is a testament to her dedication and professionalism.
It’s interesting to note that Javed’s children have carved out their own paths in the industry, with Farhan being a successful actor and director, and Zoya proving herself as a formidable director. One can only imagine the pride and joy Javed must feel seeing his children succeed in their respective careers.
The dynamic between a parent and child in the same industry can be complex, to say the least. On one hand, there’s the natural desire to support and guide your child, but on the other hand, you also want to maintain that professional distance and not influence their decisions or opinions. It’s a delicate balance that requires a high level of maturity, understanding, and trust.
Javed’s experience serves as a reminder that even the most talented and successful individuals can struggle with the challenges of working with their own children. It’s a testament to the importance of maintaining that professional boundary and respecting each other’s roles and responsibilities.
In conclusion, Javed Akhtar’s candid admission about the difficulties of working with his children is a refreshing and relatable take on the challenges of parent-child relationships in the same industry. As a parent, it’s natural to want to protect and guide your children, but sometimes it’s necessary to take a step back and let them grow and develop as professionals in their own right.
