Farah Khan Explained

Farah Khan Kunder
Birth Name:Farah Khan
Birth Place:Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Years Active:1992present
Children:3
Alma Mater:St. Xavier's College, Bombay

Farah Khan Kunder (; born 9 January 1965)[1] is an Indian film director, writer, film producer, actress, dancer and choreographer who works predominantly in Hindi films. Khan has choreographed more than a hundred songs in over 80 films,[2] winning the National Film Award for Best Choreography and seven Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography.

In addition, she has worked on Tamil films and in international projects, such as Monsoon Wedding (2001), Bombay Dreams (2002), Vanity Fair (2004) and Marigold: An Adventure in India (2007), and the Chinese films Perhaps Love (2005) and Kung Fu Yoga (2017), earning Tony Award and Golden Horse Award nominations.

As a film director, she received two Filmfare Award for Best Director nominations for the masala films Main Hoon Na (2004) and Om Shanti Om (2007). She then went on to direct the comedy Tees Maar Khan (2010) and the dance heist comedy Happy New Year (2014).

Early life and personal life

Farah Khan was born on 9 January 1965. Her father, Kamran Khan, was a stuntman-turned-filmmaker. Her mother, Menaka Irani, is the sister of former child actors Honey Irani and Daisy Irani.[3] Farah is thus a first cousin of film personalities Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar (children of Honey Irani). She has one brother, Sajid Khan, who is a comedian, actor and film director.

Farah Khan married Shirish Kunder, the editor of directorial debut Main Hoon Na (2004),[4] on 9 December 2004. They have since worked together on each other's films, such as Jaan-E-Mann (2006), Om Shanti Om (2007), and Tees Maar Khan (2010). Khan gave birth to triplets — one son and two daughters — in 2008 through in vitro fertilisation.[5]

Career

Choreography career

Khan was studying sociology in St. Xavier's College, Bombay when the music video of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was released. She was so inspired by the song, that although she hadn't danced before that, it soon became her vocation. She learned to dance basically on her own, and set up a dance group.[6] When the choreographer Saroj Khan walked out of the film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), Khan took over. This was followed by numerous iconic dance numbers over the years. She met actor Shahrukh Khan on the sets of Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994) and the two have since become good friends and began their collaborative journey. She is the recipient of seven Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography.

In 2013, she also choreographed "Jumping Jhapak", the official anthem for 2013 Indian Premier League.

Khan also collaborated on several international projects such as Monsoon Wedding (2001), Bombay Dreams (2002) and Vanity Fair (2004), receiving a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Choreography for Bombay Dreams, alongside Anthony van Laast. Khan trained Colombian pop star Shakira for a Bollywood version of her song "Hips Don't Lie" for the MTV Video Music Awards on 31 August 2006.[7] Khan has also choreographed Kylie Minogue for the song "Chiggy Wiggy" in the 2009 film Blue.

Directorial debut and breakthrough (2004–2007)

In 2004, Khan ventured into direction with the masala film Main Hoon Na (2004), starring Shahrukh Khan and Sushmita Sen in lead roles, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment. The film received positive reviews upon release, and emerged as the second highest-grossing Indian film of the year, only surpassed by another Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Veer-Zaara.[8] It earned Khan her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Director, thus becoming the second female director to be nominated for the award.

She followed it up with the reincarnation melodrama Om Shanti Om (2007), again starring Shahrukh Khan, alongside debutante Deepika Padukone in lead roles. The film received positive reviews from critics upon release, and emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, in addition to becoming the highest-grossing Indian film ever at the time of its release.[9] [10] The film earned Khan her second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Director, thus becoming the first female director to be nominated for the award twice.

Setback, acting debut and directorial resurgence (2010–present)

Her next directorial venture was the comedy Tees Maar Khan, starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. Despite hype, the film was panned by critics upon release, and emerged as a below-average commercial success at the box-office.[11] The film is today primarily remembered for Kaif's iconic dance number "Sheila Ki Jawani", also choreographed by Khan.

She then made her acting debut alongside Boman Irani in the romantic comedy Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi (2012), directed by Bela Bhansali Sehgal, the sister of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews upon release, but emerged as a commercial failure at the box-office.[12]

Her next directorial venture was the dance heist comedy Happy New Year (2014), reteaming with Shahrukh Khan and Padukone 7 years after Om Shanti Om. She had initially announced to direct the film in 2005 and was supposed to be Padukone's Hindi film debut,[13] but was shelved due to multiple delays and cast changes that occurred over a number of years.[14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] The project was again reported as being in the works as of 2012.[24] Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics, but emerged as the second highest-grossing Indian film of the year.[14]

Television and production career

She hosted the celebrity chat show Tere Mere Beach Mein and was a judge on the reality television series Indian Idol – first and second season, Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star, Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega and Dance India Dance Li'l Masters. She also judged dance reality show Just Dance alongside Hrithik Roshan and Vaibhavi Merchant on Star Plus.

In 2015, Khan replaced Salman Khan and hosted the reality show Bigg Boss Halla Bol, the spin-off of Bigg Boss season 8.[25]

Khan and her husband have started a production company called "Three's Company" named in honor of their triplets.[26]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Actress Director Producer Script Writer Role
1987JalwaDancer in the "Feeling Hot Hot" song[27]
1998Kuch Kuch Hota HaiWoman on the Neelam show/
College student who makes fun of Anjali
2003Kal Ho Naa HoOne of the customers that come to the restaurant after its renovation
2004Main Hoon Na
2007Om Shanti OmThe one whom Om Prakash asks if she's the director of the movie /
Herself (special appearance during the end credits)
Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Director
2010Jaane Kahan Se Aayi HaiHerself
2010Tees Maar Khan
2010Herself (cameo)
2012JokerHerself (special appearance)
2012Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal PadiShirin Fugawala
2012Student of the YearCameo in "Disco Song" as a judge
2014Happy New YearCameo in the end credits
2016DeviHerself (guest appearance); multilingual film
2019Student of the Year 2Cameo in "The Jawaani Song" as a judge
2020 Mrs. Serial Killer
2023 Cameo

Choreography

Year Films Notes
1986Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya
1992Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar
Angaar
1993Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa
Waqt Hamara Hai
Pehla Nasha
Chandra Mukhi
1994
1995Zamaana Deewana
Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India
Aazmayish
Takkar
Sisindri
Hum Dono
Barsaat
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Ram Shastra
1996English Babu Desi Mem
1997Virasat Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Dhol Bajne Laga"
Border
Yes Boss
Iruvar
Yeshwant
Dil To Pagal Hai
Uff! Yeh Mohabbat
1998
Duplicate
Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai
Angaaray
Saat Rang Ke Sapne
Dil Se.. Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Chaiyya Chaiyya"
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate
Minsara Kanavu
1999Sirf Tum
Laawaris
Silsila Hai Pyar Ka
Sarfarosh
Hote Hote Pyar Ho Gaya
Baadshah
Mast
2000Alaipayuthey Tamil film
Mela
Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Ek Pal Ka Jeena"
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani
Pukar
Hum To Mohabbat Karega
Josh
Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega
Fiza
Mohabbatein
2001Dil Chahta Hai Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan"
Monsoon Wedding
Asoka
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...
One 2 Ka 4
2002Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam
Maine Dil Tujhko Diya
Shakti : The Power
Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai
Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge
Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa
Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe
Santosham
Bombay Dreams Nominated: Tony Award for Best Choreography
2003Confidence
Armaan
Supari
Koi... Mil Gaya National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song "Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala"Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala"
Wonderland
Kal Ho Naa Ho
Chalte Chalte
2004Main Hoon Na
Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
Vanity Fair
2005Kaal
Paheli
Perhaps Love Golden Horse Award for Best Action Choreography
Bluffmaster
Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya
2006Krrish
Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
Baabul
Jaan-E-Mann: Let's Fall in Love... Again
Don - The Chase Begins Again
Zindaggi Rocks
Heyy Babyy
2007Marigold: An Adventure in India
Om Shanti Om
My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves
Welcome
2008Dostana
2009Billu
Main Aur Mrs Khanna
Blue
2010My Name Is Khan
Dabangg Song "Munni Badnaam Hui"
Tees Maar Khan Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Sheila Ki Jawani"
2011Delhi Belly Song "Jaa Chudail"
2012Housefull 2 Song "Anarkali Disco Chali"
Nanban Tamil film; Song "Irukaanaa"
Student of the Year Song "Ishq Wala Love" and "Radha"
Dabangg 2 Song "Fevicol Se"
2013Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Song "Ghagra"
Chennai Express Song "Titli"
Himmatwala (2013 film)
2014Happy New Year
2015Dilwale Song "Gerua"
2017Kung Fu Yoga [28]
2018DhadakSong "Zingaat"
Veere Di Wedding
2019Housefull 4Song "Ek Chumma"
Student of the Year 2Song "The Hook Up Song"
2020Dil BecharaFilmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Dil Bechara"
99 SongsTBA
2023JawanSong "Chaleya"

Television

YearShowRoleNotes
2004–2006, 2016–2017Indian IdolJudgeSeason 1, 2 and 7
2006–presentJhalak Dikhhla JaaJudgeSeasons 1, 9, 11
2008Jo Jeeta Wohi Super StarJudge
2008, 2015Nach BaliyeJudgeSeason 4 and 7
2009–2014Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi KaregaJudge
2010Dance India Dance Li'l Masters 1Judge
2011Just DanceJudge
2012Dance Ke SuperkidsJudge
2012India's Got TalentJudgeSeason 4
2013Nach Baliye Shriman v/s ShrimatiJudge
2013Dance India Dance SupermomsJudge
2015Bigg Boss Halla BolCo-host
2015Farah Ki DawatHost
2020Interim Host[29]
2021Zee Comedy ShowJudge[30]
2022The Khatra ShowHost[31]

Accolades

Year Award Category Song Result Ref
1998 "Dhol Bajne Laga" (Virasat)
1999 "Chaiyya Chaiyya" (Dil Se..)
2001 "Ek Pal Ka Jeena" (Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai)
Best Choreography
Mohabbatein
2002 "Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan" (Dil Chahta Hai)
Best Choreography
American Choreography Awards Outstanding Achievement In Feature Film Monsoon Wedding
2004 "Idhar Chala Mein Udhar Chala" (Koi... Mil Gaya)
"Maahi Ve" (Kal Ho Naa Ho)
"Idhar Chala Mein Udhar Chala" (Koi... Mil Gaya)
Bollywood Awards Best Choreography
Sansui Viewer's Choice Awards Best Choreography
Best Choreography
"Pretty Woman" (Kal Ho Naa Ho)
2005 Main Hoon Na
Best Debut Director
Most Promising Debut Director
6th IIFA AwardsBest Debut Director
"Laal Dupatta" (Mujhse Shaadi Karogi)
Screen Weekly Awards Best Choreography
"Tum Se Mil Ke" (Main Hoon Na)
2007 "Humko Maloom Hain" (Jaan-E-Mann)
200853rd Filmfare AwardsOm Shanti Om
"Dhoom Taana" (Om Shanti Om)
Annual Central European Bollywood Awards Best Choreography
Best Film Om Shanti Om
Best Director
Dream Director Om Shanti Om
Best Director Om Shanti Om
Best Choreography "Dhoom Taana" (Om Shanti Om)
2009 "Desi Girl" (Dostana)
2011 "Sheila Ki Jawani" (Tees Mar Khan)
"Munni Badnaam Hui" (Dabangg)
Best Choreography
2013 "Fevicol Se" (Dabangg 2)
Best Choreography
Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi
2014 Dream Director Happy New Year
2015 Bollywood Hungama Surfers' Choice Music Awards Best Choreography "Lovely" (Happy New Year)
2016 Bollywood Hungama Surfers' Choice Music Awards Best Choreography "Gerua" (Dilwale)
2017 Best Choreography "Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai" (Sultan)
2019 "Tareefan" (Veere Di Wedding)
"Zingaat" (Dhadak)
2021 "Dil Bechara" (Dil Bechara)
2022 "Tip Tip" (Sooryavanshi)

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. News: Thomas . Anjali . Farah Khan latest chant is 'Mom Shanti MOM' - Lifestyle - DNA . dnaindia.com . 2007-10-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101019003225/http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/inner-spaces_farah-khan-latest-chant-is-mom-shanti-mom_1125923 . 2010-10-19 . dead.
  2. Web site: Latest News: Latest Headlines Today, Latest Current Affairs News News18 . 2024-08-16 . News18 . en.
  3. Web site: Farah Khan shares never seen before childhood photo dancing with cousin Farhan Akhtar. DNA India. 3 February 2024. 31 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210131131333/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-farah-khan-shares-never-seen-before-childhood-photo-dancing-with-cousin-farhan-akhtar-2868300. live.
  4. Web site: Ronjita . Kulkarni . Meet the man Farah Khan will marry . Rediff.com . 12 August 2004 . 17 November 2008 . 25 December 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181225231721/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/aug/12spec.htm%20 . live .
  5. Web site: 24 November 2020. 'Glad I became mom through IVF at 43': Farah Khan pens heartfelt open letter. 24 November 2020. DNA India. 24 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201124060746/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/news-glad-i-became-ivf-mom-at-43-farah-khan-pens-heartfelt-open-letter-2858164. live.
  6. News: Tête à tête . https://archive.today/20120913052854/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071007/asp/7days/story_8405201.asp . dead . 13 September 2012 . The Telegraph. 7 October 2007 . 5 May 2010 . Calcutta, India.
  7. Web site: Jha . Subhash K. . 1 September 2006 . Farah Khan bonds big time with Shakira . 17 November 2008 . . 28 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230928225131/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/2006-lowest-openers-in-u-k/ . live .
  8. Web site: Main Hoon Na - Movie - Box Office India . 2023-11-07 . www.boxofficeindia.com . 7 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231107202126/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=452 . live .
  9. Web site: Om Shanti Om - Movie - Box Office India . 2023-11-07 . www.boxofficeindia.com . 7 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231107202125/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=266 . live .
  10. Web site: Fenton . Ben . 26 June 2008 . Om Shanti Om rakes in $45m worldwide . dead . https://archive.today/20150507033658/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c5fa4bd6-4319-11dd-81d0-0000779fd2ac,dwp_uuid=a6dfcf08-9c79-11da-8762-0000779e2340.html . 7 May 2015 . 17 November 2008 . Financial Times.
  11. Web site: Tees Maar Khan - Movie - Box Office India . 2023-11-07 . www.boxofficeindia.com . 27 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200727055149/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=76 . live .
  12. Web site: Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi - Movie - Box Office India . 2023-11-07 . www.boxofficeindia.com . 7 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231107202126/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=979 . live .
  13. Web site: Farah Khan makes Deepika happy . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150826101436/http://www.sify.com/movies/farah-khan-makes-deepika-happy-news-bollywood-kkfv2bgaiae.html . 26 August 2015 . 11 February 2013 . Sify Movies.
  14. News: 12 May 2009 . 'Happy New Year' went on floors in 2014 Khan . The Hindu . Chennai, India . dead . 11 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090616151907/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200905120931.htm . 16 June 2009.
  15. Web site: 6 June 2009 . Farah Khan gives Fictitious dance group a break in Happy New Year . 11 February 2013 . Business of Cinema . 3 April 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150403153012/http://businessofcinema.com/bollywood-news/farah-khan-gives-fictitious-dance-group-a-break-in-happy-new-year/28409 . live .
  16. Web site: Shah Rukh dampens Farah's 'Happy New Year' plans! . 11 February 2013 . Zee News.
  17. Web site: 19 March 2012 . Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan come together for 'Happy New Year' . 11 February 2013 . The Indian Express . 3 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240203012621/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/shah-rukh-khan-and-farah-khan-come-together-for-happy-new-year/ . live .
  18. Web site: SRK wants to work with Priyanka in Farah Khan's film Happy New Year . 11 February 2013 . India Today . 4 March 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082948/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shah-rukh-khan-wants-priyanka-chopra-in-farah-khans-happy-new-year/1/238170.html . live .
  19. News: Shah Rukh Khan busy for Farah Khan till 2013 . . dead . 11 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120414022215/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-12/news-interviews/31325559_1_srk-yash-chopra-shah-rukh-khan . 14 April 2012.
  20. Web site: Anushka is not pairing with Shahrukh for Farah . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120331195736/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/80192.html . 31 March 2012 . 11 February 2013 . India Glitz.
  21. Web site: Shah Rukh Khan miffed with 'Happy New Year' report! . 11 February 2013 . Zee News . 26 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130226093206/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/shah-rukh-khan-miffed-with-happy-new-year-report_124669.htm . live .
  22. Web site: Katrina, Sonakshi or newcomer for Happy New Year? . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120812005406/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/3803 . 12 August 2012 . 14 February 2013 . Bollywood Hungama.
  23. Web site: 2 November 2012 . Farah Khan lays out parameters for 'Happy New Year' heroine . 14 February 2013 . . 3 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240203012621/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/farah-khan-lays-out-parameters-for-happy-new-year-heroine/ . live .
  24. News: 26 June 2012 . John joins Shah Rukh for Farah's next film . . dead . https://archive.today/20130126033029/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-26/news-interviews/32424075_1_farah-khan-abhi-ash-wedding-shah-rukh . 26 January 2013.
  25. News: Bigg Boss 8: Farah Khan talks about Salman Khan and Halla Bol The Times of India . The Times of India . 13 March 2018 . 22 August 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180822224608/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/bigg-boss-8-farah-khan-talks-about-salman-khan-and-halla-bol/photostory/46040314.cms . live .
  26. Web site: Women Of Worth 2015 Grit And Glory. Mariam Thomas. Sonia. 26 October 2015. www.outlookbusiness.com. 13 March 2018. 13 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180313214401/https://www.outlookbusiness.com/specials/women-of-worth_2015/grit-and-glory-2037. live.
  27. Web site: Farah Khan says she refused to step out when people 'ripped apart' Tees Maar Khan, called herself 'poor cousins' of Zoya-Farhan Akhtar. 4 July 2022. Farah Khan started off as an assistant and a background dancer. Stating how she never bothered about money, she said she agreed to be a part of Jalwa (1987) and dance behind Archana Puran Singh because she was getting to step in an aircraft for the first time. She shot in Goa and was paid Rs 300 per day.. 3 February 2024. 21 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230421114648/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/farah-khan-refused-to-step-out-tees-maar-khan-ripped-apart-poor-cousins-of-zoya-farhan-akhtar-8007437/. live.
  28. News: Farah Khan to choreograph song in Jackie Chan's 'Kung Fu Yoga'. The Times of India. 28 January 2017. 5 December 2017. 13 September 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200913222930/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Farah-Khan-to-choreograph-song-in-Jackie-Chans-Kung-Fu-Yoga/articleshow/51523537.cms. live.
  29. Web site: In Rohit Shetty's absence, Farah Khan to introduce Khatron Ke Khiladi – Made in India. 27 July 2020. The Indian Express. 24 July 2020. en. 26 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200726113620/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/farah-khan-rohit-shetty-khatron-khiladi-made-in-india-6521741/. live.
  30. News: Zee Comedy Show set to tickle the funny bone, to launch this weekend - Times of India. 2021-10-11. The Times of India. en. 10 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211010174530/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/zee-comedy-show-set-to-tickle-the-funny-bone-to-launch-this-weekend/articleshow/84894078.cms. live.
  31. Web site: Farah Khan joins Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa for new season of the Khatra Khatra Show . 3 March 2022 . 30 January 2023 . 30 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230130070408/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/farah-khan-joins-bharti-singh-and-haarsh-limbachiyaa-for-new-season-of-the-khatra-khatra-show-7798699/ . live .