Farhan’s motorcycle diaries

How the actor turned out to be a late-bloomin' bike lover in his mid-30s

Farhan's motorcycle diaries

How the actor turned out to be a late-bloomin' bike lover in his mid-30s

Actor-director-singer Farhan Akhtar has developed a passion for motorcycle riding after learning to ride a bike for the first time for his home production Karthik Calling Karthik. He turns 36 in January. Better late than never, we think.

Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone in Karhtik Calling Karthik

Farhan speak
My promise to Mom
"Most young people in their teens love riding bikes. I made a promise to mom (Honey Irani) that I wouldn't drive bikes. Her two brothers had been involved in a major car accident and she didn't want me to be involved in one. I never felt the need to drive a bike. Maybe, because I gave mom my word."
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My first gaddi
"My first major vehicle was not a bikeu00a0- but a Fiat car at 20 (I have a Range Rover today). I gave the exams and got my driving license. Here too I was lateu00a0-- while my friends had learnt how to drive cars by 16 I got my license at 20."
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Biking Calling Karthik
"In Karthik Calling Karthik, my character initially lacks self-confidence. It is only after riding a bike that he gains confidence. He sees himself on a bike. That's when I learnt to ride a bike. We got a cruiser bike, I got a learner's license and every day for a month, would ride for a couple of hours close to midnight at the Bandra-Kurla complex with Zubin, a dear friend."
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Future perfect
"I really look forward to a time when I can ride my bike again (co-producer and buddy Ritesh Sidhwani gifted it to him) but I do it at late night when roads are more clear. I love riding bikes now. Mom is also more relaxed as she knows I will never drive rashly."