Bollywood Legend Amitabh Bachchan Felt Like a 'Novice' on Lakshya Set, Director Farhan Akhtar Clarifies

In November 2025, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan shared an anecdote about feeling like a "nausikhiya" (novice) during the shoot of the 2004 film Lakshya, directed by Farhan Akhtar. Now, Akhtar has responded to Bachchan's remark, explaining that he never intended to "teach acting" to the veteran actor and later realized his words might have unintentionally hurt him.

Akhtar, who was making his directorial debut with Lakshya, says he was under immense pressure to adhere to the strict schedule and discipline associated with the Army setting of the film. On the first day of shooting in an Army cantonment, Akhtar approached Bachchan's room to check if he was facing any difficulties, as the legendary actor was taking a little extra time to get the performance right. The young director's enthusiasm, however, may not have come across well, and Akhtar later apologized to Bachchan for any unintentional hurt caused.

Bachchan, in turn, shared his perspective, recalling feeling a bit unsettled on set as he struggled with a scene and had to do multiple retakes, something unusual for him. He said he felt like a "student being told how to act," but ultimately decided to stay, and the rest of the shoot went smoothly.

Despite the initial hiccup, Lakshya went on to gain a cult status for its direction, music, and realistic portrayal of military life, even though it underperformed at the box office upon its release.