Honey Irani Opens Up on Farhan Akhtar's Struggle After 120 Bahadur Flop
In a candid conversation, veteran writer and mother Honey Irani has shed light on how her son, actor-director Farhan Akhtar, is dealing with the disappointment of his recent film 120 Bahadur underperforming at the box office. Despite receiving positive critical reviews, the movie failed to connect with audiences, leading to what Irani describes as a personal loss for the filmmaker.
The Emotional Toll of Box Office Failure
Speaking to Vickey Lalwani, Honey Irani emphasized the profound impact such setbacks can have on artists. "We have all gone through it. He and Zoya both have gone through it. Of course, it is your personal loss because you have worked so hard on it and so many people are involved with the film and so much money is involved with the film. And when that film doesn’t work, it pains a lot," she stated. Irani highlighted the extensive resources—financial, human, and creative—that go into filmmaking, making failures particularly painful.
She offered sage advice, recalling her words to her children: "I have always told them to never take success to their head and failures to their heart. This is a part of life. Sometimes those films work which you didn’t expect to work and sometimes even good films don’t work. Kaagaz Ke Phool was a masterpiece, but it did not work. These things happen in life. One has to analyse it." Irani noted that overcoming such disappointments requires time and a forward-looking approach, adding, "It will take Farhan time to get over it, and to get over it, you have to move on to the next thing. But it will take time."
Sensitivity to Failure in the Akhtar Family
When questioned about who in the family is more sensitive to failure—Farhan or his sister Zoya Akhtar—Irani responded inclusively, "We all are. We have our own way of dealing with it, including Javed Sahib and Shabana. If you are an artist, you will be sensitive, and who likes failure?" This reflection underscores the emotional challenges faced by creative professionals in the entertainment industry.
Don 3 in Limbo Amid Ranveer Singh Exit Rumours
Amidst this personal turmoil, speculation is rife about the future of Farhan Akhtar's highly anticipated project, Don 3. Initially announced with Ranveer Singh stepping into the iconic role previously portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, recent reports suggest Singh may have exited the film. Sources indicate that his departure could be linked to a fee hike following the success of Dhurandhar, along with scheduling conflicts, as he reportedly has remaining shoots for Dhurandhar 2, slated for release on March 19.
Adding fuel to the rumours, it is said that Farhan Akhtar unfollowed Ranveer Singh on Instagram, hinting at potential discord between the two. This development casts doubt on the film's progress and survival, leaving fans and industry watchers in suspense.
Focus Shifts to Jee Le Zaraa
In light of these challenges, Farhan Akhtar is reportedly channeling his energy into another long-awaited venture, Jee Le Zaraa. Announced with a star-studded cast including Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Kareena Kaif, the film has faced delays due to the busy schedules of its leading ladies. While the filmmaker has yet to officially comment on the Don 3 speculations, this shift in focus suggests a strategic move to navigate past setbacks and embrace new creative opportunities.
As the entertainment world watches closely, Honey Irani's insights offer a poignant reminder of the resilience required in Bollywood, where artistic passion often meets commercial realities.
