Beyond the Spotlight: Farhan Akhtar’s Journey as A Devoted Dad
Farhan Akhtar’s acclaimed performance in ‘120 Bahadur’ is matched by his thoughtful approach to fatherhood. He prefers to keep his daughters out of the public eye, wanting them to grow independently and earn recognition on their own terms.
Farhan Akhtar has been receiving a lot of positive reviews for his performance in the latest military drama 120 Bahadur. The film—set against the backdrop of the 1962 India–China war—centres on Major Shaitan Singh and the valiant 120 soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought heroically at Rezang La. Farhan’s portrayal has earned wide admiration, adding yet another feather to the actor-director’s cap.
But beyond the spotlight, Farhan is known for something far more personal—his grounded approach to parenting. The actor shares two daughters with his former wife Adhuna Bhabani, and together they co-parent their children, Shakya and Akira.
Raised in a well-known artistic family, he believes that children can easily receive undue attention because of their parents. As a parent, he prefers to keep his daughters away from the public eye, encouraging them instead to create their own identities.
In an interview with Mid-Day, he said, “They are happy girls, growing independently. We are not telling them what they should do. They will find their own feet; they are very confident, independent, beautiful girls.”
Speaking about his parenting philosophy, he added, “My intention has always been to keep them away from the spotlight. Attention is something they need to earn. They should not take it for granted because of who you are. I want them to be more successful than I could imagine, and if they want to be publicly famous, I wish them well, but it would be nice if they earn that and not get used to being someone’s daughter or related to so-and-so person. I keep them away from this because I think they need to work towards that.”
Meanwhile, Farhan’s elder daughter, Shakya, has been carving her own path. After completing her schooling at Mumbai’s prestigious Dhirubhai Ambani International School, the 25-year-old moved to the United Kingdom for higher studies. Known for her distinctive fashion sense and growing social media presence, Shakya has slowly been building a space that is entirely her own.
With 120 Bahadur currently making waves since its release on 21 November 2025, Farhan Akhtar’s professional success and personal values continue to strike a rare and inspiring balance
