I’ve been surrounded by very strong women: Farhan Akhtar

Prior to his trip to Kolkata today to promote the MARD campaign, Farhan Akhtar shared what the driving force behind his initiative is and what's next on his itinerary. Excerpts:

How is MARD shaping up?
The response has been really positive. I'm hoping that we can sustain this movement and bring about a positive change. I am grateful to everyone for having shown a tremendous amount of support for MARD. It belongs to everyone.

Many from the film industry have come forward to support the initiative. Is this one of the reasons for its popularity?
With people from the film industry supporting it, it did get a huge boost. But at end of the day, it is a people's movement and doesn't belong to any one person.

Was there a social activist somewhere inside you earlier too?
It is not something I had planned and happened over a period of time. We have been seeing incidents around us. The unfortunate incident in Delhi (the Nirbhaya gangrape) saw one of the most massive social movements in recent times. The fallout too was equally strong. But there we saw the problems with our mindset, something that had seeped into our political culture, our society and our films. Some of the things being said highlighted the skewed view certain people have about what makes a man — the qualities of a mard.

From director, actor, singer to social activist now, your resume is getting longer...
(Laughs) It is not surprising though. I've been surrounded by very strong women. My mother, my sister — they're all very strong and outspoken. Our father too, who treated both my sister and me equally and ingrained these qualities in us. Even my wife is a very strong woman. Our daughters have very good role models to follow.

How many hours a day do you pack in then?
I don't keep track really. I just do whatever I am doing as long as I am enjoying it. You know like kids go on playing as long as they can before they are pulled up. In fact, I'm doing this for my children. I want them to grow up in an environment of freedom and equality. I want them to feel safe and confident.

You mentioned somewhere that you are quite like the characters in the film Fukrey that you are producing...
(Laughs) Oh yes, I was quite like that — good for nothing — in my 20s, till one fine day my mom put her foot down and told me to get my act straight.

What was your childhood ambitions like?
Like all little kids, I went through the gamut of them. Once I wanted to be a pilot, then next, influenced by the pop and rock music of my growing up years, I wanted to be a singer...

There's a buzz that you're starting your own NGO...
No, I am not interested in starting an NGO. I would like to influence thought and behaviour rather than go fund-hunting and ask for donations. We want genuine interest and people should join on their own, not because I have invited someone.

Coming back to your film career, which has been the toughest role for you so far?
Undoubtedly, that of Milkha Singh in terms of the physicality. It required tremendous discipline and sacrifice to be able to look and portray such a character who is a living legend and a national pride. It was a huge responsibility.

How did you manage to look exactly like Milkha Singh?
I worked really hard to make it possible. A lot of people have told me that they are struck by the resemblance. It makes me feel good and satisfied. It was a team effort. Hair, makeup, fitness, wardrobe... every department played a role in making it so realistic.

Are you going to be in your sister Zoya's next film, the family drama that she had been planning?
Yes, I am definitely producing it. It is at the casting stage right now.

What are your plans on this trip to Kolkata?
I need to say a big thank you to the BCCI and both the teams (Kolkata and Punjab) for the support and for giving us the opportunity to come and share the charter of MARD with the people of Kolkata and letting us be part of the IPL. We want to re-introduce the values we Indians are known for, the values that somehow we seem to be forgetting. We want to raise awareness and spread the message of strong social values and respect for women.

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