Open, bold love scenes worry Farhan Akhtar

Filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar admits films influence the general public, but says more than the sleazy item songs, what impacts is the way the hero romances his on-screen love interest.

Filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar admits that films influence the general public, but says more than the sleazy item songs, what impacts is the way the hero romances his on-screen love interest. "I do believe that films do have an influence. More than the item songs phenomenon, it is in the way our heroes romance our women. I think that's a very crucial thing and it has changed over the years," the 39-year-old said.

Farhan Akhtar was speaking on Thursday during One Billion Rising, a global campaign to raise awareness about gender-based violence across 200 countries.

Love on screen has become more open and bold, and this is something that worries Akhtar. "You know there was a time when it was hidden. Then it became very sincere and romantic, and now it has gone into a (different) phase," he said.

He feels introspection is necessary. "Everyone needs to be introspective and realise when it is a female celebrating her sexuality, sensuality, her independence or when does the male gaze take over - I think that's very crucial!"