Farhan Akhtar Takes on Ravi Shankar in Upcoming Beatles Biopic

Sam Mendes' upcoming Beatles biopic features Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar as the legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar. With insights from sitar maestro Purbayan Chatterjee, the film promises authenticity and depth. Chatterjee emphasizes the importance of portraying Shankar's true essence, highlighting his impact on global music. Additionally, Chatterjee discusses his collaboration with guitarist Mark Lettieri on the album 'Feathered Creatures.' This article explores the exciting developments surrounding the biopic and the musical journey of Ravi Shankar.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 17, 2026, 09:16 IST

Exciting News About The Beatles Biopic

Director Sam Mendes is set to unveil a four-part cinematic journey centered around the iconic rock band, The Beatles. The announcement of its impressive cast has generated significant buzz among fans. Notably, Bollywood star Farhan Akhtar will portray the esteemed sitarist and composer, Pandit Ravi Shankar. This marks Akhtar's debut in Hollywood, and he is working closely with Purbayan Arts and Artists Music Foundation to prepare for the role. With the film set to release in April 2028, Zoom had an exclusive chat with Purbayan Chatterjee, who shared insights into Ravi Shankar's world and how Farhan is preparing for this significant role.

Insights from Purbayan Chatterjee

Purbayan Chatterjee on Farhan Akhtar's Role

In an exclusive interview, sitarist and composer Purbayan Chatterjee expressed his honor in providing insights into the musical, technical, and cultural dimensions of Pandit Ravi Shankar's life. He emphasized the importance of authenticity, stating, "Ravi Shankar was not just a renowned sitarist; he transformed global perceptions of Indian music. The nuances matter: the posture of a musician, the shaping of a meend, and the dynamics of the guru-shishya relationship. To truly appreciate his impact, audiences must see the genuine artist rather than a mere caricature. I am pleased to see Farhan approaching this role with great seriousness and respect, which is very promising."

The Legacy of Ravi Shankar

Chatterjee further noted that Ravi Shankar demonstrated that 'authenticity' resonates more profoundly than imitation. He believed that the legendary sitarist did not dilute Indian classical music for broader appeal; instead, he trusted audiences to engage with it genuinely. "Whether through world music festivals, jazz collaborations, film scores, or projects like Feathered Creatures, musicians are continually finding common ground without losing their identity. Young listeners might first discover a raga via platforms like Spotify or YouTube, leading them to explore the tradition more deeply. In many ways, we are all traversing the bridge that Ravi Shankar constructed," Chatterjee remarked.

Purbayan Chatterjee's New Album

Collaboration with Mark Lettieri

On another note, Purbayan Chatterjee has teamed up with Grammy-winning guitarist Mark Lettieri for a nine-track collaborative album titled Feathered Creatures. This album delves into themes of connection, spirituality, movement, and transformation. Chatterjee shared that the idea for Feathered Creatures originated during a Snarky Puppy tour in India, where he met Lettieri backstage. He described the album as a dialogue between two friends who communicate effortlessly without needing a translator. This album was released on June 5.