Farhan Akhtar denies being part of Sahir Ludhianvi biopic

Reports earlier suggested that Farhan Akhtar will play the Urdu poet ibn Sahir Ludhianvi's biopic. Denying, the actor says that his next project is helmed by film-maker Dev Benegal, has Kareena paired opposite him.

Rounds of media reports might have made you believe that Farhan Akhtar — after the biopic on sprinter Milkha Singh, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag — will be taking up another biopic on Urdu poet and Bollywood lyricist, Sahir Ludhianvi.

The actor, however, refutes all these rumours when we catch up with him in Goa. He says, "I have heard the news. Someone has jumped the gun somewhere. The fact is that I’m not doing that film."

Farhan was in Goa on Saturday (November 23) evening to attend a discussion at the on-going NFDC Film Bazaar, held every year on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Reports have also claimed that the biopic in concern, called Sahir, is being produced by Bombay Talkies producer Ashi Dua. Kareena Kapoor is apparently being considered to play the part of author Amrita Pritam, as the film is believed to focus on the relationship she shared with Ludhianvi.

As for film direction, Farhan says that has taken a backseat. He is presently concentrating on acting assignments. On working as a producer, a role through which he hopes to provide a platform to upcoming directors, he says, "It’s fulfilling, to (be able to) provide a platform to make their (other directors’) films in the manner that they want to. Besides that, only once I’m through with acting commitments will I see what I can direct."

(The writer has travelled to Goa as a guest of IFFI)