E-Paper
Farhan takes the charitable route
Farhan Akhtar is in demand after his successful outing in sister Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). And it’s not just Bollywood but the ad world that also seems impressed with Farhan’s acting prowess.
Farhan Akhtar is in demand after his successful outing in sister Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). And it’s not just Bollywood but the ad world that also seems impressed with Farhan’s acting prowess. He signed about seven product endorsements back-to-back after ZNMD. Now the director-actor has gone the charitable way with his latest endorsement deal.
Farhan has signed up with the Tata group for a voice-over for three commercials. As a token of appreciation, the company gave the actor Rs 15 lakh. “But Farhan has decided not to take the money. Instead, he is going to donate it to charity,” says an insider. Although Farhan has decided to take the philanthropic route, it’s not decided which charity will be the beneficiary. “Since he is busy with Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra), he hasn’t had the time to decide on the organisation. But it’s likely to go towards an NGO that deals with poor, orphaned kids,” adds the insider.
When contacted, Farhan confirms the news saying, “I have the highest regard for Ratan Tata (Tata Group chairman) and his philanthropic nature. Since this is my first personal association with his group, I felt it would be right to do it in a benevolent spirit.”
At the moment, Farhan is busy preparing for the next schedule of his film. After finishing a schedule in Ladakh, he returned to Mumbai a couple of days ago. “His next schedule will start in about 10 days. The film is very close to being wrapped up,” says the insider.
