13 February,2026 10:18 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar, known for effortlessly balancing roles as an actor, director, and singer, is now adding another feather to his cap. The multi-talented star is set to make his Hollywood debut, stepping into the shoes of legendary musician Pandit Ravi Shankar in Sam Mendes' ambitious project, The Beatles - A Four-Film Cinematic Event.
Farhan Akhtar is set to portray Bharat Ratna awardee and legendary Indian musician Pandit Ravi Shankar in director Sam Mendes' ambitious project, The Beatles - A Four-Film Cinematic Event. Ravi Shankar's association with George Harrison in the 1960s significantly influenced the band's musical direction. Shankar introduced Harrison to Indian classical music and spirituality. On Thursday, Sony Pictures shared a new casting announcement and confirmed Farhan's inclusion in the project.
The four-part biographical series on the iconic British band has officially begun production in the UK and is slated for a global theatrical release in April 2028 under Sony Pictures, Variety has confirmed.
Akhtar joins an expanding international ensemble that includes Lucy Boynton as Jane Asher, Morfydd Clark as Cynthia Lennon, and Harry Lawtey as Stuart Sutcliffe. The films will chronicle the lives of the Fab Four, with each instalment focusing on a different member of The Beatles.
This will be Farhan's first foray into international films. He previously appeared in an American TV show with a cameo in Ms. Marvel.
The development also comes at a time when Akhtar is in the news over the Don 3 feud involving Ranveer Singh.
The principal cast features Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Additional casting includes Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, James Norton as Brian Epstein, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, Harry Lloyd as George Martin, and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey, as per Variety.
Behind the camera, Mendes directs all four films and produces alongside his Neal Street Productions partner Pippa Harris and Julie Pastor, with Alexandra Derbyshire also producing.
The technical team includes cinematographer Greig Fraser and editor Lee Smith, among others. Production is underway.
(With inputs from ANI)
