Farhan Akhtar calls Naseeruddin Shah’s public criticism ‘distasteful’; ‘He’s known me since childhood, could have called me instead’

In 2013, Naseeruddin Shah did not hold back his harsh views about Farhan Akhtar’s film ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, which tells the story of Olympian Milkha Singh. Back then, Shah had openly stated, “I don’t care about Farhan Akhtar, and I don’t watch his films.” Now, during a recent interaction, Farhan Akhtar responded to these past remarks, calling Naseeruddin Shah’s public criticism “distasteful.”

A childhood connection deeply affected by criticism

In a recent interview with India Today, having known Naseeruddin Shah since childhood, Farhan Akhtar expressed how deeply hurt he was by the remark. As reported in the Indian Express, Akhtar said, “I have known him for so many years. We worked together in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. He knows me ever since I was a child. He is a great performer and a great actor, but the only thing that I didn’t like was that if you want me to improve in my work, then there is a way of communicating that.”

Farhan Akhtar on preferring private, respectful criticism

Farhan described Naseer’s way of correcting him as “distasteful” and explained, “I would have picked up a phone and told the person to come home. I have watched your film and I found these points lacking, and if you’re passionate for acting, then you should work on these things. This is a way of communicating. But to go in the press and say this… I found that distasteful. Other than that, if he didn’t like it, it is his opinion, and I can’t change that — he is entitled to it.”

Throwback to Naseeruddin Shah’s strong critique of ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’

Back in 2013, Shah openly shared with IANS that he considered ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ “a completely fake film” and criticized Farhan Akhtar’s portrayal. He remarked, “Farhan has no doubt worked very hard but building up muscles and growing your hair is not exactly working hard on your acting. At least he should have tried to look like Milkha. Milkha is mighty pleased by him and he imagines that this was his life, he imagines he looked like that. Doesn’t he have photographs of himself from the 1960s Olympics?”.

Commercial success of 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' despite criticism

Despite receiving some criticism, 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' went on to become a major commercial hit, earning widespread appreciation for its music, direction, and motivational storytelling.

Farhan Akhtar on the work front

Farhan Akhtar will be seen in '120 Bahadur', an upcoming war film directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and bankrolled by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios. The film stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh and Raashii Khanna as his wife, Shagun Kanwar. The film features the iconic Battle of Rezang La with 120 soldiers of the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment defending their post against a 3000-strong Chinese Army contingent.