04 August,2026 06:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Farhan Akhtar. Pic via Instagram
Rumours surrounding Farhan Akhtar's reported exit from Ashutosh Gowariker's upcoming sports drama Lalkaara have been doing the rounds for days. However, the actor-filmmaker has now firmly dismissed the speculation, clarifying that he was never officially a part of the project to begin with.
Addressing the rumours, Farhan questioned the narrative around his alleged departure, saying, "How do I exit a project when I had never even entered it officially?" He stressed that discussions and media reports about potential casting should not be mistaken for confirmed announcements.
Speaking to Variety India, he explained how such situations are common in the film industry. Farhan added, "In the course of one's career trajectory, every actor comes across many offers and projects. You sign some projects, and don't sign some. It's as simple as that."
The clarification comes amid reports claiming the actor had opted out of Lalkaara, Ashutosh Gowariker's ambitious sports drama based on the historic 1952 India-Pakistan Test cricket series. The film is set to star Aamir Khan and is being backed by Excel Entertainment, the production house founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.
While putting the Lalkaara rumours to rest, Farhan is already immersed in preparing for another high-profile project. The actor is set to portray legendary sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar in filmmaker Sam Mendes' ambitious four-film series based on the lives of The Beatles. The films, each focusing on one member of the iconic British band, are scheduled for release in April 2028.
Farhan also addressed reports linking him to a biopic on music composer R D Burman, which is reportedly being directed by Neeraj Pandey. Without confirming his involvement, he suggested that it was too early to discuss the project.
"Playing one musical icon (Pandit Ravi Shankar) is a huge responsibility. I am completely focused on that. To play another musical icon (R D Burman), I have to get into another mindset, mood and era," he said.
Interestingly, Farhan's father, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, shared a long creative association with R D Burman, collaborating on films including Saagar, Arjun, Betaab and 1942: A Love Story. Javed Akhtar may come on board the biopic as a creative consultant.
He also previously opened up about the challenges surrounding Don 3, reflecting on the lessons he has learned amid delays and controversies tied to the much-anticipated film.
For now, Farhan has made one thing clear that despite the rumours, there was never an official association with Lalkaara, and his attention remains firmly on the projects he has already committed to.
