After a pleasant outing with “Ferrari Ki Sawaari”, Boman Irani will soon be seen in “Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi”. From a photographer to a wafer vendor Boman shifted many professions before settling for acting. Credited as one of the most versatile actors of Bollywood, Boman says youngsters should remember that acting is not a business of glamour. “It is a science, a craft and an art.”
In Delhi to host the EEMAX awards with actor Mandira Bedi at the Kingdom of Dreams, Boman agreed for a quick chat.
Excerpts:
You started acting at the age of 44. What took you so long?
I’m happy to have started at the right time. Not a day earlier nor after. The time was right as I got the right kind of films. These eight years have shaped really well for me. There is a lot more to come. I would have been half as comfortable and successful as I am now, had I come in 10 years earlier.
You used to sell wafers before you ventured into acting. Do you think that meeting different customers helped you in studying characters?
Yes a lot. When I used to collect cash for the packets of potato chips, I would closely look at their mannerisms. One can understand a person by the way he removes his wallet and puts his hand to remove money. When you are weighing, the person who looks at the needle is suspicious. Every day he would come and buy 100 grams of wafers, and look at the needle. I would watch the way he moved his eyes. The shop was like my acting school.
Do you think that you have more acceptance in comedy roles than serious ones?
Probably, but I don’t see myself as a comedian. I’m an actor and don’t look at myself as someone who provides comic relief. I have done diverse roles like that of a psycho, murderer, and various other characters in films like “Don”, “Eklavya” and “3 Idiots”. According to me they are dark characters.
Of all the roles you’ve played which has been the closest to your heart?
I would say my role in “Well Done Abba” has been the closest. The film was directed by a true legend: Shyam Benegal. Many people use the term ‘legend’ frivolously but he is the ultimate legend. We had a lot of fun together. He is very professional and a delight to work with.
What are your expectations from “Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi”?
Given the enormous response to trailers, my expectations are definitely high. We have made a sincere effort. My reaction to the response was like wow! I think we have made the right choices during the making of the film.
