After serving as assistant to Pankaj Parashar on Himalayaputra and ad-man Adi Pocha's Script Shop, Farhan began work on his directorial debut, Dil Chahta Hai, a stylish, semi-autobiographical urban flick about three friends coming-of-age.

The movie hit a chord with the youth as they could easily identify with each of its memorable protagonists -- a cocky Akash, poetic Sid and goofy Sameer. Well-shot and deftly written, DCH was devoid of any filmi flamboyance, Bollywood fare is usually associated with. And that's what made it such a welcome experience. The response was awesome and Farhan was heralded as a new age icon of sorts.

The articulate director let the writer in him take a back seat for his emotional and engaging second venture, Lakshya, penned by daddy Akhtar. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta, this one revolved around a vain youngster whiling away his potential until he finds his true calling in the Indian army. Although largely percieved as a war film, the extensively shot in Ladakh -- Lakshya was anything but.

The disappointing performance of Lakshya was forgotten in remaking Amitabh Bachchan's 1978 classic, Don. Shah Rukh Khan trying to fill Big B's shoes was news enough. But with the ever-so-enthusiastic Farhan at helm, things could only look brighter. While purists thumbed down the revised gizmo-friendly version, those oblivious to the suave original could not get enough of King Khan and his 'Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai' antics. Not so surprisingly, there are talks of a sequel in the making.

Hits and flops, notwithstanding, Farhan's articulate imagination, spiffy sense of humour and crystal clear sensibilities as a director remains undisputed.

Also read: Lakshya is about Hrithik, about finding yourself

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