Farhan Akhtar recently shared insights into how filming a poignant scene with Naseeruddin Shah in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD) stirred up deep-seated emotions related to his relationship with his father, Javed Akhtar. The scene, a pivotal father-son confrontation, unexpectedly resonated with Farhan's own childhood experiences following his parents' separation.
In an interview with Galatta Plus, Farhan reflected on the natural flow of the scene while acting opposite Naseeruddin Shah. He noted that he didn't have many lines, with Naseeruddin Shah carrying the weight of the dialogue. Farhan explained, "I didn't have that many lines. The lines belonged to Naseer Sahab, and he is incredible. So I had to just sit and listen to him. It was easy to react, it was easy to respond". The challenge, he added, was maintaining the scene's authenticity across multiple takes, ensuring it felt fresh and genuine each time. He said that he and Naseeruddin Shah did not rehearse the scene at all. "The first couple of times, it felt more natural because he was speaking to me for the first time, and we didn't rehearse at all,” he shared.
Farhan revealed that the emotional depth of the scene unearthed unresolved feelings from his past. "In some way, it transported me back to my childhood, to the questions that I had with my father when I was younger, not knowing what had happened and why my parents were not together," he explained. He recalled feeling genuinely emotional during the shoot, negating the need to feign emotion. "I remember feeling very emotional when that scene was shot and not having to pretend to be emotional at all. It all came very naturally,” Farhan stated. He added that for a moment, he saw his father in Naseer's place, which made it easier for him to portray the character.
The actor-filmmaker also addressed Naseeruddin Shah's past criticism of his performance in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, where Shah deemed it "completely fake". Farhan admitted that the comment stung, but he chose to take it in stride. "It didn't feel good when I read it, but you have to take it in your stride," he said. "It is his opinion. In those moments, I can sit and focus on bringing myself down or live with the fact that this is how one person, who I respect and admire as an actor, feels and focus on people who are appreciating what I am doing".
Farhan also expressed his disappointment that Naseeruddin Shah chose to voice his criticism publicly rather than personally. He felt that Shah's decision lacked respect, especially considering their existing acquaintance and Shah's relationship with his family. "It was very clear to me that if he really did genuinely feel that… he knows my dad, Shabana, my mom and me… we worked together in ZNMD, so it would have been the easiest thing for him to say that I want to speak to you why don't you come over,” Farhan added.
Despite the criticism, Farhan holds Naseeruddin Shah in high regard and acknowledges his significant contribution to the film. The scene in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara remains a powerful and emotionally resonant moment, not only for the audience but also for Farhan Akhtar himself, as it facilitated a deeper understanding of his relationship with his father.
