Zoya Akhtar Shares Throwback Pic as Farah Khan and Farhan Akhtar Celebrate Birthdays Together

Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar delighted fans on social media by sharing a nostalgic throwback as cousins Farah Khan and Farhan Akhtar celebrated their birthdays together on January 9. The warm post offered a glimpse into the close-knit bond shared by one of Bollywood’s most well-known film families.

Farhan Akhtar turned 52, while Farah Khan marked her 61st birthday. Staying true to a long-standing family tradition, the cousins rang in their birthdays with an intimate midnight celebration at home, surrounded by family members. Cakes were cut, birthday songs were sung, and the gathering reflected the deep familial connection that has remained constant despite their busy professional lives.

Zoya Akhtar took to Instagram to mark the occasion by posting two pictures that instantly resonated with fans. The first was a rare childhood photograph of Farah and Farhan, capturing their bond from an early age. The second image showed the present-day celebration, with both cousins smiling as they cut their birthday cakes together. Accompanying the photos, Zoya penned a heartfelt message that blended affection with wordplay, noting how their names themselves symbolise happiness and joy.

The post quickly garnered attention, with fans and industry peers appreciating the warmth and authenticity of the moment. Many praised the Akhtar family for maintaining strong personal ties while continuing to shape Indian cinema across generations. Farah and Farhan are cousins through their mothers, Honey Irani and Menaka Irani, who are sisters. The shared birthday celebration once again highlighted the family’s enduring closeness.

Professionally, both Farah Khan and Farhan Akhtar continue to remain influential figures in the entertainment industry. Farah is widely respected for her work as a director and choreographer, having delivered several mainstream blockbusters and iconic dance numbers over the years. In recent times, she has also found a new audience through her popular digital presence, especially her cooking videos, which have gained widespread attention for their humour and relatability.

Farhan Akhtar, on the other hand, has balanced multiple roles as an actor, filmmaker, singer, and producer. He was recently seen in 120 Bahadur, a film inspired by the historic Battle of Rezang La, which brought focus to the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. His upcoming projects across cinema and music continue to keep him firmly in the spotlight.

Zoya Akhtar’s post served as a reminder that beyond awards, box office success, and public acclaim, it is family that remains central to the Akhtar clan. The shared birthday celebration of Farah Khan and Farhan Akhtar was not just a personal milestone, but also a moment that resonated with fans who admire the family’s legacy, unity, and warmth.