Farhan’s fare: Rs 8 cr per ad?

Farhan received rave reviews for his performance as Imran in Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD).

He received rave reviews for his performance as Imran in Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD). And now, Farhan Akhtar is highly in demand. Not only do filmmakers want him, but brand managers as well. Within a month of ZNMD’s release, the actor-filmmaker has already signed advertising deals with five major companies.

“Farhan is red hot in the market right now,” says Atul Kasbekar, CMD of Bling Entertainment Solutions, Farhan’s branding agency. “Yes, we’ve closed five brand deals for him and two more are in the pipeline.” He has signed deals with Unilever’s Pureit, Titan XYLYS, United Breweries, Omrom and Ponds. Sources close to the artiste reveal that Farhan is currently charging Rs 8 cr per brand for a two-year period.

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Some time ago, Farhan was signed on by Maruti’s A-Star as well, so this isn’t a first for him. “But at that time, brands didn’t know what to expect from him. And then, due to ZNMD and Don 2, he went underground. Something has to happen in your life to make people notice you,” insists Atul.

Ever since Farhan, who made his debut as a director with Dil Chahta Hai in 2001, became part of ZNMD’s success, he has being pressurised to consider signing films outside his banner, Excel Entertainment. Experts feel that since Farhan is a successful professional, a good father, husband, brother and son, he is able to bring his stellar image to the brand. “Farhan’s image is nice and unique. It helps him paint a happy picture. Farhan can be a really potent option for any brand that’s looking for a multi-dimensional effect,” says Atul.