Farhan Akhtar dismisses Naseeruddin Shah’s critique as disrespectful: 'Criticism without respect....'

Farhan Akhtar has finally opened up about the comments Naseeruddin Shah once made about his acting and films. The two had worked together in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, where Farhan played Naseeruddin’s son. Speaking in an interview with Galatta Plus, Farhan explained why he chose not to respond or reach out to the veteran after hearing those remarks.

When asked directly whether he ever contacted Naseeruddin about the criticism, Farhan said no and clarified his reasons. He explained that constructive feedback should always be shared with sensitivity. “I have been doing films for 25 years. There are certain actors, directors, writers who I have known and they have debuted maybe 10 years after me. If there is something in their work that I feel… genuinely I would pick up the phone and call them. Or sit down and have a conversation in a sensitive way, because you are going into somebody’s creative process,” he said.

He went on to add that such feedback has to come from a place of mutual respect. “But it has to be done with a certain degree of love, and a certain degree of respect. I felt that it didn’t come from that place. I just felt it was a statement thrown out publicly. I felt that then this person doesn’t respect you… so why should I reach out to a person who doesn’t respect me?”

Farhan also pointed out that given their personal and professional connections, a private conversation would have been possible. “If he really did genuinely feel that… he knows my dad, Shabana, my mom and me… we worked together in ZNMD, so it would have been the easiest thing for him to say that I want to speak to you, why don’t you come over!” he added.

For context, Naseeruddin had told The Times of India in 2013, “Farhan Akhtar’s films I clearly don’t care for. I liked his first film Dil Chahta Hai. He’s a tremendous person and has so many facets… He sings, acts, produces films and writes. I think it’s great he’s doing whatever he can. I’m not a great fan of his acting or his films. But I admire him.”

Farhan, son of writer Javed Akhtar, began his career as an assistant director before moving into filmmaking with Dil Chahta Hai. Over the years, he has directed Lakshya and Don and acted in titles such as Rock On!, Luck By Chance, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Dil Dhadakne Do. He will be next seen in 120 Bahadur.