In spite of being in a filmmaker Family, Farhan never resorted to his father or mother to be established in Bollywood. Farhan started his career as an assistant director at the age of just 17, after which he produced his production house Axel Entertainment in association with his childhood friend Ritesh Sidhwani.

Akhtar did his directorial debut with 'Dil Chahta Hai'. The film also receives many awards nomination along with critics. Farah's first directed film was written by his father Javed Akhtar. After this Akhtar made a remake of the 1986 Amitabh Bachchan starrer Dawn, in which Shahrukh Khan played the role. This film was one of the successful films of that year, Farhan Akhtar got recognition in Bollywood from this film.

After this, Akhtar made his Bollywood debut in acting with Kismat Azmi and Axel Entertainment-produced film 'Rock On'. Akhtar also used singing in this film. Farhan was also honoured by the National Award for the film Rock On. Farhan Akhtar's famous films: Dil Chahta Hai, Rock On Zindagi Na Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadkne, Milkha Singh, Kartik Calling Kartik, Dawn, Wedding Side Effects, Khoobsat, Fukre, Luck By Chance, Rock On 2, Rais And Wazir is.