Would love to work with my idol Robert De Niro: Farhan Akhtar

“I think being a fan of Mr Bachchan and De Niro influenced me and helped me enjoy the acting talent in people and their performance. Who to pit against who? I don’t know. I think if I had a choice I’d like to be in a film with De Niro.

“De Niro’s a huge influence, more like my idol. I’d definitely love to work with him. I’ve been a huge admirer of his work, like I said, from a very young age. He’s probably one of the reasons I was drawn to what an actor can do,” Farhan said.

The ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ star said it took him a while to ‘discover’ the 1980 film ‘Raging Bull’, which earned De Niro, an Academy Award for his portrayal of Jake LaMotta (former World Middleweight Champion boxer of the US), but it inspired him to a great extent.

“It (‘Raging Bull’) was a cinematic reference piece and like a symphony on film. Every time I watched it, I discovered something new. The choreography was artistically treated. There is something very restrained about the film and it was great inspiration for ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” Farhan said.

Recalling his meeting with De Niro in 2008, Farhan said he touched the actor’s feet out of respect.

“I met Robert De Niro, 71, in Dubai in 2008 with Shah Rukh, Hrithik and Arjun. I just couldn’t speak; it was just a surreal moment. I had always told myself that if I ever had to touch anybody’s feet out of sheer respect and admiration it would be his and I did it,” he said.