Farhan Akhtar Opens Up About Divorce Guilt and Strong Bond with Daughters

The actor reflects on his daughters’ struggles post-divorce and praises wife Shibani Akhtar for blending seamlessly into the family.

Farhan Akhtar, known for his stellar performances and directorial achievements, has always shared a close bond with his daughters, Shakya and Akira, from his first marriage to Adhuna Bhabani. Now married to actress-singer Shibani Akhtar, Farhan often shares glimpses of their family moments on social media, illustrating their close-knit relationships. However, in a candid revelation, the Bhaag Milkha Bhaag star expressed feeling a deep sense of guilt over the impact his divorce had on his daughters.

In a recent appearance on the podcast Chapter 2, hosted by Rhea Chakraborty, Farhan was asked how his parents’ divorce—between Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani—had influenced him, and whether his own separation from Adhuna had a similar effect on Shakya and Akira. He acknowledged that his daughters likely faced challenges, stating that they had believed his relationship with Adhuna to be “solid and perfect” before it eventually fractured.

The actor admitted that Shakya and Akira harbored some anger and resentment toward the divorce, struggling to understand why it happened. Farhan said that over time, he hopes they will find solace and come to terms with the situation. “I feel tremendously guilty toward them,” he confessed. “They became collateral damage in an emotional sense, even though the divorce had nothing to do with them.”

Shibani Akhtar, Farhan’s current wife, also spoke highly of the family dynamics. She praised the Akhtar family, calling them “super-evolved and liberal,” and shared that she never felt like an outsider. She credited Farhan’s daughters for their open-mindedness, saying they had been raised as “super thinkers,” aware of the world and its complexities. Shibani emphasized how their acceptance of the family structure helped pave a smoother path for her integration.

Shibani also expressed her gratitude, mentioning how lucky she feels to be able to have open and honest conversations with Farhan’s daughters and other family members.

For those unfamiliar, Farhan was previously married to Bollywood hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani, whom he wed in 2000 after three years of dating. After 17 years of marriage, the couple separated in 2017. Farhan began dating VJ Shibani Dandekar in 2018, and the pair married in an intimate ceremony in 2022, surrounded by family and close friends.

On the professional front, Farhan made his directorial debut with the iconic Dil Chahta Hai and first appeared as an actor in Rock On!. Over the years, he has starred in major hits like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, and The Sky Is Pink. As a director, he has also helmed films such as Lakshya, Don, and Don 2.

Most recently, he produced Kunal Kemmu’s directorial debut, Madgaon Express, earlier this year. Up next, Farhan will direct Don 3, the third installment of the popular franchise, with Ranveer Singh stepping into the lead role. He’s also set to helm Jee Le Zara, starring Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt. As an actor, Farhan will be seen in 120 Bahadur, a war drama based on the Battle of Rezang La, in which he portrays PVC Major Shaitan Singh.