Irrfan Khan on being compared to Anil Kapoor, his Hollywood projects and his recently released Piku
The world saw a different side to the otherwise intense Irrfan Khan in Piku. His character brought out his romantic side, something that he had been aching to return to.
“I have always been looking for romantic roles, but I chose the best available to me. In fact, I even did Lunchbox because it was a love story in its own way. But I was sure I didn’t want to do the usual, run-of-the-mill love stories where there is nothing new to explore. Piku allowed me to do that,” says Irrfan.
Was it a conscious attempt to break away from his serious image? “I don’t know. I guess I need to do a few more roles to be accepted like that. Ever since my first film, I’ve been wanting to destroy whatever I have done. I don’t like to be slotted and don’t want to be known as a romantic hero either,” he says.
Next, he will shoot for the movie adaptation of Dan Brown’s Inferno, co-starring Tom Hanks. He recently flew to Budapest for look-test. He elaborates, “It was wonderful to meet everyone on set. It was a look-test in terms of what costumes to wear, whether or not I should grow a beard or if I should keep my hair long or short. I am still waiting to hear back from them about my final look out of the four-five shortlisted. I will start shooting for it after June. The shooting will take place all over Europe — Turkey, Budapest and Florence.”
His next Hollywood project is Jurassic World. “I was just out of drama school when Jurassic Park came out. I must have imagined myself acting in any other film, but definitely not this one. I had seen the first part and loved it. I still clearly remember the scene where the dinosaurs are shown for the first time,” he reminisces.
He paved the way for Indian actors in Hollywood, Like his co-star from Slumdog Millionaire Anil Kapoor and the comparisons drawn between them. “I don’t think anyone compares us anymore. That happened when Slumdog came out, so I don’t have any take on it. Anyway, how can you compare me to someone who has been around for so much more longer than I have? It’s absolutely pointless,” he retorts.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}