I feel nervous before performing in live concerts, but it does not last more than five minutes.
— Farhan Akhtar
Difficulty does not deter me. In fact, I find challenges exciting.
'BMB' has opened up a world of possibilities. It has inspired me to believe that the really difficult things in life can be achieved by sheer application.
For me, to consciously seek unpredictable roles would be dangerous.
For 'Rock On,' we not only acted as rock musicians; we also went into the studio to record songs and jammed live to get the concert feel right.
As much as a man would like to believe that he understands women, there is simply that much that he can write from their point of view or really understand them.
I think all kids are rebellious. It's a part of growing up.
Every movie gets exactly what it deserves.
I cannot imagine of making a film without Boman Irani.
Film festivals are important, as they often provide an opportunity to look at a film from a fresh perspective.
It amazes me how much noise there is on a set while people are trying to focus and do their jobs. But there's some kind of order within that chaos.
I was very focused when I wanted to make 'Dil Chahta Hai,' though it was difficult for me to convince people that I know how to make films and I will be able to direct and put a film together.
I think if I had a choice, I'd like to be in a film with De Niro.
The Ladakhis, as a people, are quite laidback.
I think it is important to play a sport. Apart from the joy of it, it helps keep you fit.
Fitness is about keeping yourself healthy. This is something you do for yourself and for your loved ones.
To me 'Qurbani' was a good action film - it was fast, had one plot, and moved along at a pace, and it didn't really divert attention.
One fear setting on filmmakers is that the audience no longer has any patience. They want things to constantly move.
I basically like a bit more control. Even in my personal life, I need things to be done on time. If it's not done, I get impatient.
To me, 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' is definitely a landmark. It has taught me so much.
Music was something I had put aside to make movies. Somehow I earlier felt there was only so much creative energy allotted to your life and only that much time to pursue your creativity. But I was wrong.
It's amazing how much the human mind and body can do and achieve.
Definitely, I feel that there is a need for more female producers, directors, and writers.
I think, the world over, new ideas have come from young people. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but it is rare that new or radical ideas come from old people.
I wish I'd got my driving license at 18, not 22. I also wish I had graduated earlier, even though I didn't finish college.
Even when I was writing the script for 'Don,' I suspected it could lead to a sequel.
I realised that I enjoyed direction while making 'DCH.' The process of putting a film together and working with the cast and crew felt good.
It was interesting to write ad films and scripts for TV shows before I moved on to writing a feature film. That helped me grow as a writer, and I also found out how long I could sit in front of a computer and see something through.
To hear someone talk about their life - you get to know the way their eyes moisten up, how big the smile is or how comfortable their body language is while talking to someone.
I have been a fan of movies from a very young age, and somehow, the magic of that - every single time I hear something or read something that could be made into a wonderful film or something somebody is asking me to be a part of - that connects. It just makes me feel like I'm going to be part of something magical again.
'Haqeeqat' was a good war drama.
I usually play volleyball three times a week.
Whether it is crimes against women, whether it's discrimination against women, whether it's just social bias against women - these things should be anomalies; they should not be the norm.
The first time I re-discovered the joy of watching an action movie was when I saw 'Die Hard.' It was a completely simple plot - a guy goes to meet his wife, and the building gets taken over by terrorists - but I was completely blown away. Great characters, and it moved along really fast.
I was a complete vagabond till the age of 20, when I got my first job as an assistant director with Pankaj Parashar.
As an actor, you buy into someone else's dream and make it your own, and you don't lose sight of that.
Every time you work with a new co-star, a whole new dynamic emerges.
It's very important to enjoy whatever you do in life.
There is a certain highlighting of issues, be it emotional, be it social, or simply an entertainment one: they can be written or directed by a woman differently, with a different voice. I feel that their voice needs to be given more stage and more space.
I used to lie a lot as a child, which I now regret. I think it is much easier just to tell the truth.
I think if you believe in an idea, then you should put it out there and be as original to the thought as possible without worrying about the risk.
I'm a bit of an extremist.
Whatever films I make, the mandate is that it should touch the audiences and engage them from the first scene.
When I watched Guru Dutt's films, they just blew my mind.
The more time you have, you should dedicate it to do creative work.
After 'Rock On!,' when I started acting, and I sang in the film, people asked me, 'What was the need to sing in your film?' and things like that. I really don't have an answer for it. In terms of what made me do it? It just felt like the right thing to do.
With 'Dil Chahta Hai' being the first film and 'Lakshya' being the second, what people can expect from Excel Entertainment as a company, and from me as a director, is just good, clean entertainment. And hopefully, some residue of an idea or thought that you can take home and mull over.
'Lakshya' is a different genre of movie. While 'Dil Chahta Hai' could be categorised as a romantic comedy, this is a war drama.
Being healthy is not just about building a body: it is a lifestyle that manifests itself in your general outlook. It makes you more positive and optimistic and increases your energy level.
To me, action has to come from the plot.
