The talented Irrfan Khan is ready with his next release, Yash Raj Films' NEW YORK. He is also shooting for PAAN SINGH TOMAR and will soon start working on a few other international projects. The actor in conversation with our correspondent
Still on the Slumdog Oscars high? It has been a great feeling, a unique experience that I can never forget. The Oscar experience is really a special boost. But I am back in India because my dates were blocked and I had to complete shooting for my films. There are quite a few films and I am completely immersed in work. But certainly I am still enjoying the Oscar journey. Such films don't happen everyday so anyone who was a part of the film must be on cloud nine.
Were you sure that SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE would make it to the Oscars and eventually win so many awards. (Laughs). Is that possible? No one can predict the future and particularly when someone is in this film trade it gets even more difficult. We actors sign a film depending on the script but no one can predict if the audience will accept the film, like it or simply reject it...
'Scripts will always remain a priority'
So it's only the script that matters to you... Of course it's nothing but only the script and to a great extent the director. A good script can create miracles. If I like the script, the role and if I feel I can do justice to it I take up a project. That's the way I go about it.
And what about the box office? Doesn't that matter? I would be lying if I say that doesn't. Every actor wants his or her film to do good business at the box office but box office can't always be the priority. I don't work towards the box office success but certainly I would also like my films to be successful at the box office.
Okay now tell me what happened on the sets of Tigmanshu Dhulia's Paan Singh Tomar and how did you injure yourself? (Laughs) Oh I broke my leg. In fact I don't know if it's broken. The doctors say it's in a complicated state. It's the ankle that has hurt and it might take around two weeks to four weeks. Right now I am nursing my injuries but that's fine... (laughs). It's just a matter of time. PAAN SINGH TOMAR requires a lot of running, horse riding and demands a lot of physical exhaustion.
In fact the shooting has come to a halt because of that. Yes, right now I can't shoot. Though I don't have any problems walking I can't run. But most of the film is complete...almost about 95 per cent and we will be over in a few days once I recover and am able to resume shooting. It is one good film. There aren't too many people who know about PAAN SINGH TOMAR. I was really astounded when I came across the script. It's a very touching story, a story that few know. Isn't it surprising to know a person from the history who was one of the greatest athletes of the country but then he became a bandit for his living... It's a poignant story that needs to be told to one and all.
Now your next release will be NEW YORK and it's one of the very unconventional stories from the Yash Raj stable? It's another good film and as I said it's good scripts that appeal to me more than anything. New York has a gripping story line. It's a story of three friends and how their lives change post the 9/11 attacks. My role is very interesting and I come at a time when the twist in the tale takes place. I play a cop.
Since you set foot in films you have worked with some of the best names both nationally and internationally. But of late you have also started attracting attention of the biggest banners and production houses in Bollywood. As I said, it's good stories that matter. It's not consciously that I do this. I enjoyed doing BILLU... Shah Rukh (Khan) was a real sport. I have always enjoyed working with directors who give me room to experiment and improvise. Kabir (Khan) did that in NEW YORK and in PAAN SINGH TOMAR, Tigmanshu (Dhulia) was a delight to work with. I have known Tigmanshu since I had also done HAASIL with him.
The buzz is that you are doing Ang Lee's LIFE OF PIE... (Laughs). Ang Lee is one of the greatest directors at present. I have been offered the role but I am yet to sign it, which I will eventually do...but it will take some time. There are quite a few international projects lined up of which one is a Hollywood film, one an Italian film and other one a German. I am taking my time and take up one at a time.
Apparently, you did not kiss Mallika Sherawat in your next international project HISSS (Laughs). Mallika is a great actress but forget kissing we don't have too many scenes together.
- Ritesh Sharma, TWF, Bollywood Trade News Network
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