Cool, sexy, intelligent, kind and madly in love with each other, this is how I would describe Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar-Akhtar in one sentence if I were ever asked this question. In the course of our cover shoot, I’ve had the pleasure to work closely with both of them and it has been nothing short of amazing. The ‘realness’ that they bring about is not only endearing but also exactly what makes them a very special couple. For me, the foundation of any successful romantic relationship or marriage is a good friendship. A friendship that allows both the involved people to be who they really are and yet helps them find a common ground where they can fall in love with each other. And this is what I think Farhan and Shibani have found. Right from the time they started dating each other most people viewed them an unconventional couple and why not, their individual worlds had very little in common.
On Shibani Dandekar Akhtar: Brilliant emerald silk duchesse peak lapel, long sleeves full canvas jacket with buttons asymmetrical closure, Yellow fluo-black polyamide jersey jacquard jumpsuit, and GG slingback pump, all by Gucci. American diamond necklace by Soni Sapphire. Flower diamond earrings by ABHILASHA jewelry. Diamond spiral ring, diamond wavelength ring, and diamond interloping ring, all by Raf Fine Jewelry. On Farhan Akhtar: Cerulean blue cotton canvas pants and jacket with GG leather patch and zipper details, and Fuchsia-green-multicolor bowling Hawaii shirt with all over print detail, all by Gucci.
But then like they say, what is meant to happen will always find its way. On a humid Monday morning, I sit down with Mr & Mrs Akhtar in their sea-facing living room to find out what it was that made them say “I do.”
How It All Began
On Shibani Dandekar Akhtar: Graffiti hybrid saree pants and Graffiti second skin crop top, both by Huemn. Taku earrings by Lara Morakhia. Kate sling by Christian Louboutin. On Farhan Akhtar: Black rib knit crossover belted peak lapel jacket, Ivory zip detail turtleneck and black velour logo embroidered denim pants, all by Troy Costa.
“The first time we met was actually on a show that I was hosting for a TV channel and Shibani was one of the contestants. We always knew about each other but we didn’t really speak that much during that time. And then post the show, we just stayed in touch over Twitter or Instagram messaging,” shares Farhan. “Yeah, he just slipped into my DMs,” adds Shibani with humor. And it was in one of those DMs when Farhan asked Shibani out for coffee. “For me this was a bit strange because we hadn’t formed any kind of friendship to even go out for a coffee. But then I thought, why not. He seemed like a really nice guy when we met on the show. So, we went out for a coffee and it was probably the most awkward date I’ve ever had!” shares Shibani. “We’ve met at a restaurant in Bandra at 10:30 am for breakfast. I didn’t know what to make out of this…was it really a date? Or not? Like who asks someone out in the morning? But nevertheless, we go, we have coffee, and there’s just pin drop silence throughout the breakfast,” laughs Shibani. What sounds like a Bollywood movie by now gets more interesting from here on. What followed this uncomfortable breakfast was another silent movie night-dinner date. “For this date, I went prepared with points that we could talk about. But guess what, we watched the movie and ate the dinner in silence (again). It’s not as if we didn’t talk at all but there was something missing. The whole evening didn’t seem easy, organic or free- flowing. I eventually left from his house thinking he’s a nice guy and I did the right thing by giving it a shot again but I don’t think this is working and it’s time to say bye-bye,” says Shibani. After two awkward dates, some more uncomfortable but polite messages, and a knee injury, Farhan decided to take matters in his hands. On a trip to Milan, in his typical witty and charming style, he decided to pen down his thoughts for Shibani in a series of long messages and this is what broke the communication barriers. “This is the moment when I realised that Farhan can express best only via words. That is his strength. He was really able to communicate and say things, which he couldn’t say face-to-face. We chatted for two weeks and every time we were chatting via messages, it was all good but if we did a video call those uncomfortable moments were back! But yes, it took time for him to emote, communicate and open up, and of course, once we started dating properly things were different. We both got to see sides of each other that we probably wouldn’t have imagined,” adds Shibani. “The thing is when you meet someone for the first time, you carry an image of that person and its only over time that the real self is revealed and one goes beyond the first assumptions. So, while it took time and the start was probably slow, we found our common ground soon,” says Farhan.
Farhan On Shibani
Monogram silk twill blazer, cycling shorts with monogram belt, Louise hoop earrings and Nova sandals, all by Louis Vuitton.
“Shibani is warm, easy-going and very comfortable in her own skin. There’s a certain vibrancy about her that I instantly found attractive. Plus, she is fun, has a great sense of humour and is adventurous. So, there are many traits in her that I really liked right from the word go. While I am the non-talker, she can talk to anyone and anything! Even a tree! She can have conversations with just about anyone and has this childlike curiosity about people, their stories, their dreams and hopes. And all this really appealed to me. It brought in a kind of a sweet balance in our relationship, now marriage. Shibani also has this approach towards life, which is very positive and joyous and that makes things very easy. Plus, with her there is no sugar coating. She is a straight shooter, unfiltered and says things as is. While I am not like that, it’s a quality I really admire. Even when a decision is to be made, I am the logical, solution-oriented one while she on the other hand takes into account the emotional aspect as well, which is equally important during decision-making.
Shibani On Farhan
Fuchsia-green-multicolor bowling Hawaii shirt with all over print detail by Gucci.
“Farhan is a private guy and drastically different from his on-screen image. Yes, when the camera comes on, he turns into the Farhan Akhtar that the world knows, but otherwise, he is closed and it takes time for him to warm up to people. When you meet him for the first time, you cannot gauge him at all. Its only when he gets comfortable that he starts warming up. He may come across as aloof or cold, but he is very genuine and cannot fake anything for anyone. What you see is what you get. As I got to know him, I found that he was really interesting to talk too. You give him a subject that he’s into and he can give you all the possible information. Also, you should know he has an inherent geek inside him. And I think that’s what I found endearing. Everyone has this outgoing, fun image of Farhan but behind closed doors, he is this silent, artistic and a nerdy person. We are both opposites in that sense. Like, even when we travel, I am easy-going and like to go with the flow whereas he likes to plan and put a proper agenda. He is a full-on explorer. Also, on an emotional level, he’s the kind of guy that has got my back no matter what. I don’t have to ever question that. And it’s from like the smallest day-to-day things to the larger things in life. He’s there for me on an emotional level and that is extremely important.” In February this year, when Farhan and Shibani got married, we all saw the lovely wedding pictures on social media but what personally struck me and I am sure a lot of people noticed that too, was how closeknit their friend circle is. So we decided to make things interesting and got some of their closest friends to ask them some whacky fun questions. Here’s what Farhan and Shibani had to say…
Rakesh Bhavnani
On Shibani Dandekar Akhtar: Poster print floor coat and leggings, both by Dhruv Kapoor. Wings of the Peacock earrings by Lara Morakhia. On Farhan Akhtar: ‘I Wish You Were Weird’ shirt by Kanika Goyal Label. Inverted Kimono trench and inverted pants both by Dhruv Kapoor.
Q: In a bar fight, who is likely to land the first punch?
Shibani: It has to 100 per cent be me!
Q: If 20 years from now, you had to write a TV show based on your marriage, what do you think it would be? A romcom, a thriller or 12 seasons of drama?
Farhan: I would say dramedy. A bit of drama, some romance and little comedy.
Amrita Arora Ladak
On Shibani Dandekar Akhtar: Urban blue viscose wicker peak lapel, long-sleeve, double-breasted jacket with contrast fabric corset construction at the bodice by Gucci. Yellow diamond earrings by Abhilasha Jewelry Collection. On Farhan Akhtar: Phantom Arcade shirt by Kanika Goyal Label. Bluette-beige wool jacket with all over Horsebit striped motif and Bluette-beige wool pants with all over Horsebit striped motif, both by Gucci.
Q: What is your reward meal?
Farhan & Shibani (unanimously): Sijo’s Good Flipping Burgers!
Q: Shibs (as Shibani is fondly called by her close friends), ask Far who is his bestest friend in the group? And why?
Shibani: His best friend in the world and probably his actual wife/husband, who he probably enjoyed the wedding with more than he enjoyed with me, is Rakesh Bhavnani a.k.a. Rocky! If you see the pictures of them dancing together, Farhan’s face is beaming. Like the minute you mention Rocky’s name, he blushes! You have to believe me when I say this, that Farhan’s favourite part of the wedding was, Rocky’s best man speech.
Farhan: Shibani’s version is an exaggerated one but to answer your question, I have known Rocky for 30-31 years now. That’s a really, really long time of knowing someone and obviously in this time we have become very close and that’s what it is.
On Shibani Dandekar Akhtar: Graffiti hybrid saree pants and Graffiti second skin crop top, both by Huemn. Taku earrings by Lara Morakhia. Kate sling by Christian Louboutin. On Farhan Akhtar: Black rib knit crossover belted peak lapel jacket, Ivory zip detail turtleneck and black velour logo embroidered denim pants, all by Troy Costa.
Q: Why is Maldives special to you?
Farhan: That’s where I proposed to Shibani!
Shibani: It was a very unexpected proposal. I had no idea it was going to happen. We had not even discussed it. But this is again Farhan, when he decides something, he does it. I was never the kind who wanted to get married and have all that jazz. But when Farhan asked, it just felt right in the moment and after the initial shock, I said yes!
Zubin Master
On Shibani Dandekar Akhtar: Urban blue viscose wicker peak lapel, long-sleeve, double-breasted jacket with contrast fabric corset construction at the bodice, and GG slingback pump, both by Gucci. Pink diamond ring, blue diamond ring, purple diamond ring and yellow diamond earrings, all by Abhilasha Jewelry Collection. On Farhan Akhtar: Phantom Arcade shirt by Kanika Goyal label. Bluette-beige wool jacket with all over Horsebit striped motif and Bluette-beige wool pants with all over Horsebit striped motif and Leather sole moccasin in cocoa leather with fringes, Horsebit, Web and “Palm Springs” detail on the heels, all by Gucci.
Q: If you could use one word adjective to best describe each other, what would it be?
Shibani: I’m gonna give you a bunch of words—sensitive, quirky, artistic, caring, adventurous, fun, emotional and supportive.
Farhan: I’d say ‘genuine’ for Shibani.
Q: Since you are both multi-talented, what would you pick as your favourite career or professional path?
Shibani: I think mine’s pretty clear. I’m just about getting into the space of being a creative producer and really enjoying that.
Sabeena Khattar
On Shibani Dandekar Akhtar: Graffiti hybrid saree pants and Graffiti second skin crop top, both by Huemn. Taku earrings by Lara Morakhia. Kate sling by Louboutin On Farhan Akhtar: Black rib knit crossover belted peak lapel jacket, Ivory zip detail turtleneck and black velour logo embroidered denim pants, all by Troy Costa. Pateek Dye shoes by Artimen.
Q: For Farhan; This is a hypothetical situation—in order to prove your commitment and love for Shibani, you HAVE to watch an entire reality show season with her. Which one do you choose? The Real Housewives Beverly Hills, Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives or Keeping up with the Kardashians?
Farhan: I think it would be Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Q: For Shibani; Farhan is extremely competitive. Tell us how he reacted the first time he lost in a game to you.
Shibani: Oh my god! The first time that we played together was Scrabble on one of our earlier dates and it was a real flag. By the end of the game, I was like I need to leave this house and maybe rethink this relationship! I was cheating a bit and also trying to Google words and he was so competitive that it was scary. You have to see when Farhan, Zoya and Ritesh play together; it is scary. Farhan hates to lose and doesn’t like it when anyone else wins. He’s competitive to another level when it comes to board games.
Pallavi Shetty
On Shibani Dandekar Akhtar: Black knit dress and safety pin glossy jacket, both by Versace. Mini Crest hoops, Ripple cuff and Ripple ring, all by Misho Designs On Farhan Akhtar: Black all over cyberbug print shirt by Hugo. Wool blend varsity jacket by Boss. Slim fit denim jogger jeans by Armani Exchange. Lace up sneaker in red technical knit fabric with interlocking G rubber motif by Gucci.
Q: For Shibani; What is your opinion of Farhan’s friends’ punctuality?
Shibani: I know why Pallavi is asking this! So, it was Farhan’s birthday and I had planned a brunch party for him and obviously invited all his friends. It was during the early stages of our relationship so we all didn’t know each other too well. As it turns out to be, his friends, barring a few don’t understand the concept of time. Most of them showed up two-three hours late. And I was pissed. One, they came late, and then they didn’t even sit down and eat brunch. They stood around and drank. And, then they were like, “Oh, should we eat? Well, yeah, that’s what a brunch is for! So, I think ever since that day, now they’re really scared that if they don’t turn up on time, Shibani will throw a fit!
Q: For Farhan; What do you think of Shibani’s system of watching movies?
Farhan: Shibani is not a movie person at all. When you are watching a movie with her, a 90-minute movie will be watched across six-seven hours. She has this annoying habit of pausing frequently while watching movies!
Dolly Sidhwani
On Shibani Dandekar Akhtar: Poster print floor coat and leggings, both by Dhruv Kapoor. Wings of the Peacock earrings by Lara Morakhia. On Farhan Akhtar: ‘I Wish You Were Weird’ shirt by Kanika Goyal Label. Inverted Kimono trench and inverted pants both by Dhruv Kapoor.
Q: Shibani, tell us about the tattoo on your ring finger…when did you decide to get it and what does it mean?
Shibani: It’s an F with a star. Because Akthar means a star. It was actually an unplanned tattoo and I got it done when we were on a trip with Dolly, Ritesh and some other friends. It was right after we got engaged. We had not announced it to everyone and it was only when this tattoo happened that everyone got to know.
On Shibani Dandekar Akhtar: Brilliant emerald silk duchesse peak lapel, long sleeves full canvas jacket with buttons asymmetrical closure, Yellow fluo-black polyamide jersey jacquard jumpsuit, and GG slingback pump, all by Gucci. American diamond necklace by Soni Sapphire. Flower diamond earrings by Abhilasha Jewelry Collection. Diamond spiral ring, diamond wavelength ring, and diamond interloping ring, all by Raf Fine Jewelry. On Farhan Akhtar: Cerulean blue cotton canvas pants and jacket with GG leather patch and zipper details, and Fuchsia-green-multicolor bowling Hawaii shirt with all over print detail, all by Gucci.
Q: Farhan, who is more romantic amongst the two of you?
Farhan: It’s definitely me. I am not grand or over-the-top in my gestures. It’s the little everyday things that one tries to make it special or romantic.
Content director & Editor: Kamna Malik; Photographer: Errikos Andreou; Styling: Zoha Castelino (Farhan), Shaeroy Chinoy (Shibani); Hair: Saurabh Bhatkar from bbluntindia (Farhan), Reena Dutta (Shibani); Make up: Swapnil Pathare (Farhan), Cassandra Kehren, Sparkle Talents (Shibani); Words: Kamna Malik; Art direction and cover design: Sanjana Suvarna; Production: Cut loose Productions; Editorial assistant: Aliza Fatma; Assisted by: Komal Shetty, Priyuta; Artist’s management agency: Clover Connect (Shibani); Special thanks to: Pallavi Shetty, Zubin Master, Amrita Arora Ladak, Abheet Gidwani, Dolly Sidhwani, Sabeena Khattar and Rakesh Bhavnani
