For Bollywood's multifaceted celebrity Farhan Akhtar, performing a gig in front of a live audience gives an adrenaline rush comparable to that one gets from skydiving.
In GQ's November 2016 issue, Farhan spoke about his live music performances, in an interview to Uday Benegal, the frontman of Indian rock band Indus Creed
"Performing is just such a release," Farhan said.
"(It's) Like skydiving, but the rush lasts longer. You'll put in those hours in the studio, making sure you get a good song. If that connects with people, that's the prize. Because then, when you go up there and everyone sings along with you - man, what a feeling that is," added the actor, who was seen in a skydiving sequence in Hindi film "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara".
An actor, writer, filmmaker and singer, Farhan is awaiting the release of the sequel of the 2008 hit film "Rock On!!" And in the eight years between the movies, it's interesting how he has established his footing as a singer with his own band. He has also been touring widely.
Talking about what ignited the desire to get on stage while maintaining a busy career in the film industry, he pointed out how the seeds had been sown in 1988 when Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Youssou N'D'ur, L Subramaniam and a 24-year-old Tracy Chapman performed in Delhi at Amnesty International's 'Human Rights Now!' tour. He was 14 back then.
It was seven years later that Farhan got his first guitar and he became "obsessed" with it.
"I made it my mission to be able to play all the chords from (Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side Of The Moon' from start to finish. I got a book from (Mumbai music store) Bhargava's Musik which showed you how to play chords," he said.
GQ's November 2016 issue will be out on stands on Monday.