A chat with Irrfan Khan is usually a zara hatke experience. No cliches, no ‘I don’t know’ here.He has something interesting to say about everything. These days, Irrfan Khan is rather busy – he’s shooting for Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Pan Singh Tomar in a remote village called Bidasar, near Madhya Pradesh. Doesn’t that make him crave for city life all over again?
“Bidasar is beautiful. The landscape is amazing, with many steep mountains. It is also close to the ravines of Chambal. I think it is one of most the beautiful places in India,” he lets you know, but admits, “It was a tough shoot and a very dangerous spot too – one had to watch one’s step in the mountains and valleys.” And Irrfan has more to say on Bidasar. “If such spots existed in America, I’m sure they’d have made it a tourist attraction spot.”
It might be a pretty place, but what’s he playing in Pan Singh Tomar? “I’m playing the role of a dacoit. It is interesting, for the movie is based on the real life story of Pan Singh Tomar, a soldier-turned-athlete who later became a dacoit. I’ll be sporting different looks in the movie,” says Irrfan, who’s yet to recover from a sprained ankle, thanks to a stunt in the film. And while ‘recovering’, he’s enjoying some IPL moments.
I’m a total sports freak. Once upon a time, I was crazy about cricket, but not anymore. Every time I watch the IPL matches, I feel I am wasting my time. Cricket has become so boring,” says Irrfan. He has one other grouse, “When people say that cricketers are the stars of today and that they are playing for the country, I strongly object. I feel that every sportsman, be it a footballer, shooter or cricketer – they all play for the country and everyone should be given equal importance. It is very important that sports in its entirety gets promoted in India, and only cricket not be given the ‘star’ status,” says Irrfan.
Back home, Irrfan’s two sons are not very fond of acting, but they take a lot of interest in sports, he says. “Both my sons are not that keen about acting. But they are mad about sports. They discuss it all the time,” he shares.
Itni sab baatein kar rahe ho – why then does he then have the reputation of being reticent and moody? He has even been called ‘unsocial’ at times. Irrfan remains unfazed. “I’m happy the way I am. Many have told me that I’m moody, reserved and unsocial. Well, it’s true. I don’t make friends easily. I only feel comfortable with those who make me feel comfortable.” And his favourite leisure pursuits seem to be solitary too... like reading, for instance. “Reading is my favourite pastime. I want to start writing too, but I don’t have the patience for it. Right now, I’m happy acting. It’s been a long journey – from theatre to television and finally to the silver screen. This is the best phase of my life, and I’m enjoying it thoroughly,” says Irrfan.
Shooting in the jungles of Dholpur for Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Paan Singh Tomar, took its toll on Irrfan Khan. With the mercury hitting unthinkable highs and being on the open sets all day, Irrfan could take the heat no more.
