Farhan Akhtar To Play Fazal Mahmood? Inside Aamir Khan’s Ambitious Lala Amarnath Biopic
Farhan Akhtar is reportedly being considered to play Pakistan cricket legend Fazal Mahmood in Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker’s upcoming Lala Amarnath biopic set around the Partition era.
May 27, 2026: Farhan Akhtar and Aamir Khan could soon share screen space again after nearly 25 years in Ashutosh Gowariker’s ambitious biopic on legendary Indian cricketer Lala Amarnath. Reports suggest Farhan has returned to Mumbai after shooting for the Beatles-based project and is currently hearing narrations for the film. If final, he is expected to play a Pakistani cricketer who shared a close friendship with Lala Amarnath.
The upcoming film is reportedly much more than just a cricket drama. Set around the Partition era of 1947, the story is expected to explore friendship, sacrifice, and the emotional impact of one of the most difficult periods in the subcontinent’s history. Aamir Khan is likely to portray Lala Amarnath, while Farhan Akhtar is being considered for the role of Pakistan fast-bowling legend Fazal Mahmood.
According to a source quoted by Mid-Day, “Even though it’s an extended cameo, Farhan Akhtar’s role is emotionally important to the story. He plays Lala Amarnath’s close friend, who stays back in Pakistan after the Partition. The film is not just about cricket, but also about friendship during one of the most difficult times in the subcontinent’s history. Ashutosh has approached Farhan for the role, but nothing has been finalised yet.”
Why Farhan Akhtar Could Be The Perfect Fazal Mahmood
Farhan Akhtar has already proven his ability to portray intense and physically demanding characters through films like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Toofaan. Playing Fazal Mahmood could give him another opportunity to showcase both emotional depth and athletic screen presence in a powerful historical sports drama.
The casting also appears convincing from a storytelling perspective. Lala Amarnath was known for identifying and mentoring young cricketing talent, and reports suggest he had recognized Fazal Mahmood’s potential early in his career despite their age difference. Since Aamir Khan is older than Farhan in real life as well, the mentor-friend dynamic between the two actors could feel natural on screen.
Farhan may also suit the emotionally heavy moments expected in the film. In his autobiography From Dusk to Dawn, Fazal Mahmood recalled a terrifying train journey during the Partition riots, where India’s first Test captain CK Nayudu reportedly protected him from violent mobs with a cricket bat in hand. Such emotionally charged scenes could become some of the strongest moments in the biopic.
Amid Don 3 row, #FarhanAkhtar reportedly to play Pakistani cricketer in #AamirKhan-backed filmhttps://t.co/kGqDD1ITMU
— DNA (@dna) May 27, 2026
A Story Of Friendship Beyond Borders
The film is expected to focus on the relationship between Lala Amarnath and Fazal Mahmood, who once played cricket together in Lahore before Partition changed their lives forever. After 1947, Amarnath went on to captain India, while Fazal Mahmood became one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers.
Reports also suggest the biopic may explore Lala Amarnath’s emotional connection with Lahore and the memories he carried after leaving the city during Partition. Stories related to his famous century-scoring bat and his family’s migration could also feature prominently in the narrative.
Interestingly, filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani had reportedly planned this project several years ago. The film is now being backed by multiple production houses, including Aamir Khan Productions and Excel Entertainment, with Hirani and writer Abhijat Joshi also believed to be involved creatively.
Will This Be Aamir Khan’s Next Film?
While the Lala Amarnath biopic has already generated major buzz, reports suggest Aamir Khan may first begin work on Rajkumar Hirani’s next directorial project, which is believed to be linked to the 3 Idiots universe. Hirani has reportedly shelved his Dadasaheb Phalke project after finalising the new script.
Although there has been no official confirmation regarding Farhan Akhtar’s casting or the film’s production schedule, the project is already shaping up to be one of Bollywood’s most ambitious cricket-based films. With names like Ashutosh Gowariker, Aamir Khan, Rajkumar Hirani, and Farhan Akhtar attached to it, expectations are naturally very high.