Farah Khan completes 25 years in B-town. Wants to work for another 20 or 25 years

Farah Khan completes 25 years in the industry today (May 22). Speaking about her journey, the director, who began her career as a choreographer in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), says, “If someone had told me that I’d still be part of the industry, I don’t think I would have believed them. I can remember these 25 years like it was last week,” says Farah.

The film-maker says her fondest memories include her work and friendships. “Of course, it includes the work that you do. But I think it’s more about the friends, the relations, and the goodwill that you generate. For me, that is important. I never imagined myself making these big movies and being married and having kids. That was something I was sure I would not be doing. But like they say, life is what happens to you when you are busy planning.”

Khan highlights some of the greatest lessons she learnt being part of the industry. “I see people every day who think they’re the be all and end all of the industry. I’ve seen so many people come and go, but the industry doesn’t revolve around one person.

There are bigger people, [who have] done better work than us and they come and go, but nobody remembers them. I think it is important to enjoy your work. People tend to take themselves too seriously. One thing I do is, I disengage from the successes, failures and the politics of the industry. It is important to detach and go home to a family,” says the film-maker.

Farah also believes that one shouldn’t take their work for granted. “I still work as hard. I want to work for the next 20 or 25 years till I am upright and able to walk around. It’s the work ethic that keeps us going,” says Farah.

Ask her about the people who have been instrumental in shaping her career and stood by her through the years, she says, “Mansoor (Khan; director). He gave me a big break (in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar; 1992). My film school included the people I worked with. Of course, Shah Rukh (Khan) gave me my first break as a director (with Main Hoon Na; 2004). I can say I am fully capable, but that person needs guts to invest so much money and instill confidence in a newcomer. Karan (Johar) would give me big songs to choreograph. My brother (Sajid Khan), Sajid Nadidwala, Tabu, and so many people... I have the same friends in 25 years. I keep making new friends, but the ones I started my career with are still my friends. That is my best achievement.”