Farhan Akhtar Set To Portray Pandit Ravi Shankar In Sam Mendes’ Beatles Epic

Farhan Akhtar is set to make his Hollywood acting debut with a role that brings together Indian classical music and British rock history. The actor will portray legendary sitar maestro Ravi Shankar in director Sam Mendes’ ambitious four-part film project on The Beatles.

The announcement was made by Sony Pictures, which confirmed Akhtar’s casting in the high-profile international production.

Akhtar will essay the role of Ravi Shankar, whose association with George Harrison in the 1960s significantly influenced the band’s musical direction. Shankar introduced Harrison to Indian classical music and spirituality, shaping songs that incorporated sitar and Eastern musical elements, a collaboration that marked a defining cultural exchange in global music history.