Farhan bitten by acting bug

We've heard about Bollywood actors turning to direction, but we have rarely come across a film director donning the grease paint - and in the lead role.

Farhan Akhtar, son of the master lyricist Javed Akhtar, struck the bull's eye with his directorial debut Dil Chhatha Hai. Critics and audiences heaped praise on Akhtar for his debut appreciating it for a clear breath of fresh air.

Even his remake of the '70s movie Don was a big hit. But now Farhan is all set to star in Luck by Chance, a film which has been penned by his sister Zoya. It is reported that leading lady Tabu will share the credits with him while Hrithik Roshan has agreed to do a cameo.

Farhan Akhtar's debut onscreen appearance will be The Fakir of Venice. The film is a black comedy and actor Anu Kapoor plays the fakir. Farhan's role is of a production coordinator, who shoots in India and is given the task of taking the fakir to Venice.

Meanwhile, Farhan has made a short film about Aids for the Bill Gates Foundation. The 12-minute film, titled Positive, is about the importance of a family's support to a person suffering with HIV/Aids.

The film stars Farhan's two favourite actors, Shabana Azmi and Boman Irani and the film was screened at the Toronto film festival.

Unfortunately, Farhan could not attend the festival since he was ill with malaria. The situation aptly fits the title of his next film, Luck by Chance.