Bollywood actor and singer Farhan Akhtar’s vocals can evoke the best and the worst reactions among listeners.
Either his trademark gravelly voice is considered insanely sexy or it’s written off as annoyingly manufactured.
There was even a piece published in Huffington Post last March that equated his voice and its appeal to tepid tea from a food court vending machine. Ouch.
So how does Akhtar, who performs with his band Farhan Live in Abu Dhabi on August 12, deal with such scathing reductions of his talents?
“I don’t know how one needs to deal with it. Eventually, people who want to listen to you will and people who don’t want to listen to you won’t. People have the freedom of choice to decide whether they want to listen to somebody or not … I just take it in my stride,” said Akhtar over the phone.
The man who introduced Bollywood to sensible cinema with his 2001 directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai and who never shies away from taking on challenging roles such as that of a troubled poet in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara or a fierce athlete in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, is pragmatic about all the hate and love smothered on him.
“But there’s no point in focussing on too much negativity in life. The only thing it can do is bring you down. Remain focussed on what you want to do in life, your passions … people who like what you do will be around and if they don’t then they will find other musicians whom they like,” said Akhtar.
The Rock On!! 2 star and his band are now putting their energy into making this Friday’s Bollywood In The Capital show at the Du Forum at Yas Island, part of Abu Dhabi Summer Season 2016, a memorable night for those who swear by his brand of music.
“It’s going to be a selection of my songs from my films like Dil Chahta Hai to Dil Dhadakne Do. It will predominantly focus on Bollywood films,” said Akhtar.
While the West looks up to pop idols such as Rihanna, Indians cull their role models from the world of films. Actors in India are treated the way rock stars are in the West. But is that fair to professional musicians who are struggling to get their due?
“There’s more to music than just Bollywood songs. But you have to admit that Hindi films are very popular as a culture and its music even more popular. It’s not a new phenomenon. Hindi songs are our go-to thing, but that doesn’t negate the fact that there are several music festivals that promote indie music.”
The son of legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar and brother to director Zoya Akhtar is focussed on making good music.
Last month, he toured the US and expanded his fan base. So how does his band function — and do they fight often?
“When we are working with people in the band, everyone’s energies are important. But I am fortunate and I have consistently worked with them for over the last three years now … we have a personality connect and we have somehow gone from being band members to being friends. I feel that ease and comfort with each one of them and that reflects on stage too.”
According to him, a good musician always finds a way to create music and never dwells on fears like animosity cropping up within the band.
“Never let future insecurities get in the way of making good music … live in the moment,” Akhtar said.
His philosophy also extends to his off-screen persona. A self-titled “low-maintenance guy”, the 45-year-old multi-tasker says that he doesn’t behave like a rock star in real life.
“I am such a simple guy. I just ask for a bottle of water and a box of tissues. I’m low maintenance and that’s one of my nicest qualities. All we want is our music to reach as many people as possible. Isn’t that any artist’s dream?”
Don’t miss it!
Bollywood in the Capital: Farhan Live! is at du Forum, Yas Island. Tickets, Dh170 and Dh200, are available at Virgin Megastores.
