He originally completed a degree in law, but decided to follow his passion and change to acting.
He trained at the Actors Studio Drama School in New New York He appeared as Gupta on The Angelos Epithemiou Show and as Maroush in The Dictator. He plays George in the The Job Lot and Ray in the supermarket based comedy Trollied.
In 2015, Akhtar was nominated for a British Academy of Film and Television Arts for Best Supporting Actor for his 2014 role as Wilson Wilson on Channel 4"s Utopia.
He played Mr. Smee in Joe Wright and Warner Brothers" movie Pan and Doctor of Science Ira King in the British Broadcasting Corporation"s River. Reviewing River in The Daily Telegraph, Michael Hogan wrote, "This series was beautifully written by Abi Morgan, stylishly directed, and most of all, superbly acted.
The quieter, less showy supporting players also shone. Not just stalwarts but fresher faces: Adeel Akhtar as River"s endlessly patient sidekick and Georgina Rich as his psychiatrist".
