Farhan Akhtar, known for his versatile roles as an actor, director, and producer, often makes headlines due to his personal life. Farhan’s first marriage with Adhuna Bhabani lasted for 17 years before they parted ways in 2017. The couple shares two daughters, Shakya and Akira. After the divorce, Farhan moved on and married Shibani Dandekar in 2022, which also drew significant media attention.
Recently, in a candid conversation on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast Chapter 2, Farhan Akhtar opened up about the emotional toll his divorce had on him and his daughters, and how he carries a sense of regret two years later. He talked about his daughters’ emotional struggles following the separation and shared his feelings about the life-changing event.
Guilt Over Divorce and Its Effect on His Daughters
In the interview, Farhan confessed that he often feels guilty about his divorce from Adhuna, particularly due to the effect it had on their daughters, Shakya and Akira. He said that the separation came as a shock to them, as they had always perceived their parents’ relationship as strong and stable. The sudden breakup left them with unanswered questions and confusion, which, Farhan admitted, deeply impacted him.
He went on to say that he felt responsible for the emotional strain on his daughters, especially because they were old enough to understand the changes happening in the family but too young to cope with them easily. Farhan empathized with how they might have felt at the time, remembering his own feelings during his parents’ separation when he was a child.
Improved Relations Over Time
Despite the emotional challenges in the past, Farhan revealed that over time, Shakya and Akira have come to terms with the situation. He shared that their relationship with his current wife, Shibani Dandekar, is now healthy and strong. In fact, the daughters and Shibani have developed a great bond. Farhan joked that when the four of them go out together, the girls team up with Shibani to poke fun at him, showing that there is now a sense of ease and understanding between them.
Shibani’s Journey Into the Family
Shibani Dandekar, who has been a public figure in her own right, spoke about how the Akhtar family welcomed her with open arms and helped her build a relationship with Farhan’s daughters. In the same podcast, Shibani credited Shakya and Akira for making her integration into the family smoother, and also praised Farhan’s parents for being transparent and supportive throughout the process.
She mentioned that because of the warmth and openness of the Akhtar family, she never felt like an outsider. This support helped Shibani establish her place within the family and build meaningful connections with Farhan’s daughters.
The New Chapter After Divorce
Farhan and Shibani’s relationship began in 2018, just a year after his divorce from Adhuna. After dating for several years, the couple tied the knot in 2022. Despite the challenges Farhan faced post-divorce, it seems he has now found a new sense of balance in his family life, and he continues to focus on maintaining healthy relationships with both his daughters and his wife.
