My average looks kept me out of Bollywood says I K

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Abdul Rahman Ansari

@ar78655

Rocker

Posted: 16 years ago

My average looks kept me out of Bollywood

It can finally be said that Irrfan Khan has arrived. Not just in Bollywood, but in international cinema as well.

This, 15 years after trying to make it good with his average looks and lots of talent and at a time when Aamir Khan, SRK and Akshay Kumar ruled the box office. "Unless the mass audience accepts you, your success is incomplete," says the actor who shyly took his place at the Academy Awards on Sunday when Slumdog Millionaire swept the Oscars. But Irrfan isn't complaining. Dignity, fame and money have evaded him ever since. "Things come only when they are due," says the man who was recently honoured in the British House of Commons for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. Excerpts from an interview:

How's Bollywood looking from the world stage?
It never felt so good to be an Indian. I am so proud. Danny Boyle has made all of us proud. This triumph is going to bridge the gap between cinema in the East and the West. Slumdog Millionaire will lead to further collaborations between India and world cinema.

You've got your dues rather late, isn't it?
I don't know if I have become viable for Bollywood. But again,unless you are viable you will not be given a chance. It's a nice feeling to be loved and accepted by the audience. I am in the game now and I want to play without any cynicism. You have to identify your strength and stick to it. I kept out of Bollywood because I knew I wouldn't be accepted with my average looks. So I relied on talent and did some good films internationally.

Are roles written for you now?
Thanks to the diversity in cinema, roles are written for me today. I get at least two offers as the main lead every day. But sadly, all these roles are serious types. I am fed up. I love comedy. I am not here to prove my calibre as an actor, but I am here to entertain people.

But you've always been a serious actor ...
I did what came my way. But working with stars like Shah Rukh Khan, I have realised why he has an instant connect with the audience. They all love him because he gives them what they aspire and dream of.

How was it working with people like Danny Boyle and Shah Rukh Khan?
Very good. Both of them share a common factor which is humility personified, despite their achievements. They are also very creative. All this while I thought to be a successful businessman you have to be little dishonest and crooked in your dealings. But Shah Rukh changed my views. There is imandaari and scruples in his dealings.

Despite international acclaim, are you making money?
I need to make more. Only when you have it you get the freedom to choose the kind of films you would want to do.

You have worked with Angelina Jolie, what struck you about her?
Angelina Jolie was my fantasy woman till I worked with her. The transformation from this sexy goddess to the character she gets into in the film is mind boggling.