Farhan Akhtar turns into a loner, frightens friend

By Subhash K Jha

Known To be utterly gregarious and accessible Farhan has suddenly withdrawn into a shell. Before well-wishers could presume the worst, the truth has come out in the open.

His current acting assignment Kartik Versus Kartik with Deepika Padukone which is almost done provoked these withdrawal symptoms.

Since the part requires him to be a lonely brooder Farhan has lately switched off his phone and become almost inaccessible to the world outside.

"It was the nature of the character I was playing. He's a guy lost in his world. So I was making an effort to isolate myself."

Friends found Farhan's behaviour strange since usually he is so reachable and gregarious.

"Lately I've just been switching off from the world for the sake of my character. If you want to call it method acting, so be it, "says Farhan.

Farhan won't be cast in Abhishek Rock On Kapoor's second film, though it's being produced by Farhan's company. "Gattu has very specific ideas on whom he wants to cast.If he thinks I don't fit any part that's fine.I'm just happy producing his film."

Now Farhan prepares to shoot for Don 2. His father Javed Akhtar will be no part of the sequel to Don. The first part of the fim had been written by Javed Saab.

Don 2 has a different team of writers which includes Farhan.

"The first film was my father's vision. He had written the original Don featuring Mr Bachchan. But Don 2 is being written by fans only.

These are yours truly and two new enthusiastic boys Ameet and Amreesh who came to me with their ideas on how the story can be carried forward. I've thrown my ideas at them. Don 2 is basically being written by three Don fans who are having a ball carrying the story forward.

About the exclusion of his father Farhan explains, "He cannot be a fan of Don because he conceived it."

Farhan's heart is set on his pet project Voice From The Sky which got stalled by casting setbacks.

"It's strange. No matter who it is, and no matter how big or small the director, everyone of us is facing casting problems. Finding the right actors has become a major problem. Voice From The Sky did get delayed because I couldn't find the right actor. But I know I'll come back to it. And one day when you see it you'll realize why I had to make this film."