Some actors should reduce their prices: Farhan Akhtar

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Posted: 9 years ago

Some actors should reduce their prices: Farhan Akhtar

Prashant Singh, Hindustan Times, Mumbai|
Updated: Jan 31, 2016 17:16 IST

As filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar completes 15 years in the industry, we chat with him about films and more.(IANS)

He started his journey in Bollywood in 2001 with Dil Chahta Hai. As filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar completes 15 years in the industry, we chat with him about films and more.

Lately, you have been acting more frequently than directing...

There's a conscious decision in this because of the kind of work that I am getting. Be it films that I did just before Wazir, like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) or Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), I have been every excited about being a part of these films. As long as that feeling is alive, I think it's nice. The kind of films I am in conversation with people for, will also help me grow as a film student and eventually when I direct my next film. It will happen in its own time when I am ready and excited about the film.

Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar in a still from Wazir. (Twitter)

There has been a lot of talk about intolerance in India. What's your take?

If you tell me that we are living in a place where people are in absolutely live and let live' mode, then I would disagree with you because that's not what we see, hear or read. There's a certain kind of balance that needs to be struck. In my humble opinion, people's sensibilities get offended a bit too easily. As people who are artists and at some level as a part of their job, they have to reflect on what's happening around them and in society and speak up for it if they choose to, it's important to understand why they are doing it as opposed to attack them for doing it. I feel that's crucial. People who have been around for many years, they don't need to create noise to get attention.

Protests against Aamir Khan after his comments on intolerance. (PTI)

Are you hinting at actor Aamir Khan's comments?

Yes, for an example. Also, the talk about women empowerment has become huge in recent times. It's been going on for years and it's good. It's important for people to speak their minds. Only then will you realise that more and more people, who you would imagine are in a very comfortable space, have to face certain issues. One is equating one's pay to the amount of work someone does. Does a female actor, who works the same amount as a male actor, deserve less money? If at all there has to be equal pay, some actors should reduce their prices. If you ask me, that would be a good start.