Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar on playing Ravi Shankar in The Beatles biopic: ‘Exciting and daunting’

Farhan Akhtar to star in The Beatles biopic

• Boong wins Best Children's & Family picture at 2026 BAFTA Awards
• Farhan Akhtar cast as Ravi Shankar in Sam Mendes' Beatles biopic
• Film highlights Ravi Shankar's influence on George Harrison

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Indian film Boong recently won the Best Children's & Family picture at the 2026 BAFTA Awards in London. The film was backed by Farhan Akhtar, and he is now poised to return to the spotlight.

Following his latest milestone, Farhan expressed his excitement for playing sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar in the much-awaited The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event, directed by Sam Mendes.

Speaking about the upcoming film, Farhan called it a "rare opportunity to be part of a film about one of the most influential bands in the world" and called the experience "exciting and daunting."

While talking about the film at the red carpet of the BAFTA awards and said, “To be part of a film about this incredible group of people the Beatles and to be directed by Sam Mendes is extraordinary.”

Farhan related a personal story about his father, who, even in a small northern Indian hamlet outside of Lucknow, recognised the Beatles' worldwide fame.

He highlighted the enduring cross-cultural impact of the band and noted, “Even there, where people didn’t speak English, if you asked them to name someone from the West, they would say ‘The Beatles.’ Everybody knew them. There’s a real relationship our country has with them through their music."

Also Read: Boong producers Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, director Lakshmipriya Devi pose with Paddington after historic BAFTA 2026 win - See here

The multi-film biopic is anticipated to delve into the lives of Ringo Starr, George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney, telling interwoven tales of their creative travels. The main themes of Akhtar's portrayal of Ravi Shankar will be the renowned musician's impact on George Harrison and his contribution to the introduction of Indian classical music to the West.

Farhan Akhtar is about to make yet another important impact on the global scene, as Boong already represents a historic BAFTA victory for Indian cinema, and this new part places him in a worldwide narrative about cultural icons.