Actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has expressed his pride and gratitude for being cast to portray legendary Indian sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar in the highly anticipated Sam Mendes Beatles film, a four-part cinematic project centered on the iconic British band. Produced by Sony Pictures, this ambitious series is set to explore The Beatles’ legacy through distinct narratives focused on each member.
Details of the Four-Part Beatles Film Project
Sam Mendes, the Academy Award-winning director known for films like American Beauty and 1917, will lead the project titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. Each installment will highlight one Beatle’s perspective, offering a unique lens on the band’s story. The series also features Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison.
Farhan Akhtar Shares His Enthusiasm
On social media, Farhan Akhtar expressed his admiration for both The Beatles and Ravi Shankar, calling the chance to work with Mendes
“the stuff dreams are made of.”
Reflecting on their combined influence, he wrote,
“Honoured and grateful to be part of the ever expanding legacy of @thebeatles and of Pandit Ravi Shankar ji. Their creative genius is a rite of passage for generation after generation of listeners. Thank you Sam Mendes…been an ardent admirer of all your work and to be directed by you in this film, is the stuff dreams are made of,”
Farhan Akhtar, Actor-filmmaker.
The Beatles’ Enduring Influence and Shankar’s Role
Since forming in 1960, Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr revolutionized music with hits such as Hey Jude,
I Want to Hold Your Hand
, Yesterday, and Penny Lane. Ravi Shankar’s mentorship deeply impacted George Harrison, who incorporated the sitar into Beatles songs like Norwegian Wood, Within You Without You, and Love You To. Their musical collaboration and friendship extended to the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh.
Production Rights and Release Schedule
The film rights have been fully authorized by the surviving Beatles—Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr—as well as the families of deceased members John Lennon and George Harrison. The series is scheduled for theatrical release in April 2028, promising an in-depth tribute to the band’s life stories and musical contributions.
Farhan Akhtar’s Recent Work
Farhan Akhtar’s previous appearances include the war drama 120 Bahadur and the Marvel Studios series Ms. Marvel. His role as Ravi Shankar in the upcoming Sam Mendes Beatles film marks a significant addition to his diverse career, bridging his passion for music and film.
