Farhan Akhtar, who turns 52 on January 9, 2026, is known for his cool and confident persona. But behind the actor-director image lies a surprising fear of cockroaches. This phobia (called katsaridaphobia) is so intense that it has led to some dramatic incidents in his life. Read on to know!
Farhan Akhtar Once Did THIS Shocking Thing Out Of Fear From Cockroaches
Well, this phobia is not just a mild dislike but a visceral reaction that has led to dramatic real-life incidents. Farhan has admitted in interviews that his fear is so extreme that he has jumped out of moving cars when a cockroach has accidentally flown inside the vehicle.
The root of this intense fear reportedly traces back to a traumatic childhood experience. He once recounted an incident where he was sitting and realised only too late that he was surrounded by cockroaches. This singular event left such a lasting psychological mark that he cannot stand to have one anywhere near him to this day.
Interestingly, this real-life fear was famously incorporated into the script of his film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). While his character Imran is shown afraid of skydiving, the real-life fears were swapped for the movie. Farhan (a certified skydiver) swapped fears with co-star Hrithik Roshan, who is afraid of water.
Farhan’s fear is a rare glimpse of vulnerability for an actor known for intense physical roles. In 120 Bahadur, he transformed completely to play Major Shaitan Singh. Despite mastering skills like solving a Rubik’s Cube for Karthik Calling Karthik or learning to ride a motorcycle as an adult, the sight of a cockroach still unnerves him. He often jokes that this “UN-COOL” trait contrasts sharply with his public image as the director of the Don franchise.
Farhan’s Professional Front
On the work front, Farhan was last seen in 120 Bahadur, filmed in the challenging terrains of Ladakh. He is now searching for the male lead for his next directorial, Don 3.
Outside films, Farhan recently made headlines for a major business move. Universal Music India (UMI) acquired a 30% stake in Excel Entertainment, the studio he co-founded with Ritesh Sidhwani. The deal (announced on January 5, 2026) values Excel at around Rs 2,400 crore (approximately $266 million).
Even with his fearless on-screen image, Farhan’s cockroach phobia shows a relatable and human side. Fans are charmed by this quirky fear, proving that even a war hero on screen can have simple, funny vulnerabilities off-screen.
