What did Naseeruddin Shah say about Farhan Akhtar's performance in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'?

In 2013, Naseeruddin Shah criticized Farhan Akhtar's performance in the film 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', saying "It's a completely fake film. Farhan has no doubt worked very hard, but building up muscles and growing your hair is not exactly working hard on your acting. At least he should have tried to look like Milkha."

How did Farhan Akhtar respond to Naseeruddin Shah's comments?

Farhan Akhtar described Naseeruddin Shah's statements as "distasteful," but acknowledged their longstanding professional relationship, saying "He knows me ever since I was a child. He is a great performer and a great actor, but the only thing that I didn't like was that if you want me to improve in my work, then there is a way of communicating that... But to go in the press and say this I found that distasteful."

What did Naseeruddin Shah say about his past comments in 2025?

In a 2025 interview, Naseeruddin Shah said that his previous criticism of Farhan Akhtar's performance had been "exaggerated a bit" by the media, and encouraged readers to consider the full context of his statements.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Naseeruddin Shah Clarifies Past Criticism of Farhan Akhtar's Acting in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'

Naseeruddin Shah Clarifies Past Criticism of Farhan Akhtar's Acting in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'

11 Nov

•

Summary

Naseeruddin Shah says his past comments on Farhan Akhtar's performance were exaggerated by the media
Farhan Akhtar describes Shah's statements as "distasteful" but acknowledges their professional relationship
Shah's initial critique of Akhtar's acting in the 2013 film 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'

Naseeruddin Shah Clarifies Past Criticism of Farhan Akhtar's Acting in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'

In November 2025, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah addressed his past remarks about Farhan Akhtar's performance in the 2013 biographical film 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. Shah stated that his previous comments had been exaggerated by the media, and that Akhtar was right to feel that way.

Akhtar had earlier expressed his disappointment with Shah's statements, describing them as "distasteful." However, the actor also reflected on their longstanding professional relationship, noting that Shah had known him since he was a child and that they had worked together on the 2011 film 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'.