Farhan Akhtar reacts to Naseeruddin Shah’s critical comments on his acting: ‘I felt that this person doesn't respect you...'

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has never shied away from speaking his mind, even if it means being critical of his colleagues. Years ago, he made remarks about Farhan Akhtar’s acting and films that sparked debate among cinephiles. Now, Farhan has addressed those comments, explaining why he chose not to reach out to Naseeruddin afterwards.

‘Feedback should come with love and respect’

In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, Farhan Akhtar was asked if he ever reached out to Naseeruddin after hearing his views on his work. The actor-director replied, “I have been doing films for 25 years. There are certain actors, directors, writers who I have known and they have debuted maybe 10 years after me. If there is something in their work that I feel, from my observation, that this could be better or that I have this piece of advice to give them... genuinely I would pick up the phone and call them. Or sit down and have a conversation with a person I care about in a sensitive way because you are going into somebody's creative process and giving them constructive feedback from your point of view.”

Farhan added that he did not feel Naseeruddin’s comments came from such a place. “It has to be done with a certain degree of love and a certain degree of respect for the other person. I felt that it didn't come from that place. I just felt it was just like a statement thrown out publicly. I felt that then this person doesn't respect you... so why should I reach out to a person who doesn't respect me?”
‘He could have spoken to me directly’

The Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara star further said that if Naseeruddin genuinely had an issue with his acting, he could have chosen a more personal way of expressing it. “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 explained.



What Naseeruddin Shah had said

For context, Naseeruddin Shah had told The Times of India in a 2013 interview, “Farhan Akhtar’s films I clearly don’t care for. I liked his first film Dil Chahta Hai. He’s a tremendous person and has so many facets to him… He sings, acts, produces films and writes, I think it’s great he’s doing whatever he can. I’m not a great fan of his acting or his films. But I admire him."



Son of celebrated screenwriter Javed Akhtar, Farhan started his career as an assistant director on Lamhe (1991) and Himalay Putra (1997). He went on to direct cult hits like Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya and Don. As an actor, he has won acclaim for films such as Rock On!, Luck By Chance, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Dil Dhadakne Do. He will be next seen in 120 Bahadur.

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