Farhan Akhtar is set for his Hollywood acting debut as legendary sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar in Sam Mendes' ambitious four-part film project on the English rock band, The Beatles. The announcement was made by Sony Pictures, which confirmed Akhtar’s casting in the high-profile international production.
Ravi Shankar introduced guitarist George 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.
The film series will comprise four standalone features, each told from the perspective of one band member, chronicling The Beatles’ rise to global fame and their eventual breakup in 1970. All four films are slated for theatrical release in April 2028. The ensemble cast includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn portraying George Harrison.
While Akhtar previously made a brief appearance as Waleed in the Marvel series 'Ms. Marvel' in 2022, this film represents his first major international screen role. Known for his versatility as an actor, director, and singer, made his acting debut in the year 2008 with the musical drama film 'Rock On!!'
