At Waves 2025, acclaimed filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar held a thought-provoking masterclass titled The Craft of Direction, offering attendees a rare glimpse into his personal creative process. Speaking candidly about the differences in flow between directing, acting, and writing, Farhan delved into how solitude fuels his storytelling — and why working alone helps him unlock emotional authenticity in his work.
“Some people prefer working in a team, like Salim-Javed or Zoya-Reema,” Farhan shared. “I prefer to work alone. When I lock myself in a room, it gives me the freedom to really play out the scenes.” The filmmaker revealed that he often physically acts out scenes while writing to assess their natural flow — something he admits he might be too embarrassed to do in the presence of others. This solo approach, he said, allows him to inhabit each moment more fully, crafting scenes that resonate with emotional realism.
Farhan also touched on the contrast in flow between the three major aspects of filmmaking. While directing and acting are filled with interruptions — from camera resets to performance resets — writing, he noted, is where uninterrupted flow is most vital. “With writing, you have hours dedicated to just being in that zone, without any break whatsoever. So the flow is a lot more important,” he emphasized.
The masterclass was a highlight at Waves 2025, offering filmmakers and aspiring creators a deep dive into the personal mechanics behind Farhan Akhtar’s multifaceted artistry. His reflections not only underscored the discipline of solo creation but also reminded audiences that great storytelling often begins in stillness, with a writer, alone, fully immersed in the world they’re building.
On work front, Farhan Akhtar bankrolled Superpboys of Malegaon and Ground Zero, he will soon be making his comeback as actor with 120 Bahadur, and his much awaited directorial comeback Jee Le Zaara.