Khan-do spirit

Actor Irrfan Khan talks to SRAVASTI DUTTA about his “Knock Out” experience and films as a catalyst of social change

H e has a flight to catch in an hour's time, but agrees to an interview. “No problem, ask me any question you want”. That's Sahabzade Irrfan Khan for you: obliging, and no starry airs.

One of Bollywood's finest actors, the six-footer has essayed a range of roles — from the ordinary and the funny to the endearing and the intense. We meet him at the release of his “Knock Out”, directed by Mani Shankar, in which he plays an investment banker. As we talk to him, we get a peek into his sharp intellect and sense of humour. Excerpts…

I have heard you love reading…

Yes, that's true. I prefer non-fiction over fiction. I'm now reading ‘Sacred Geometry'. It's a collection of articles on the evolution of Mathematics. It's detailed, informative and very interesting.

“Knock Out” has just been released, any new projects in the pipeline?

(The list is long!) There's ‘Hisss', then ‘Yeh Saali Zindagi', ‘Saat Khun Maaf', ‘Thank You', (

eyes light up ) ‘Paan Singh Tomar' and ‘In Treatment'…

You seem excited about ‘Paan Singh Tomar' and ‘In Treatment'…

‘Paan…' is based on a runner's true story. It's directed by Timanghsu Dhulia. ‘In Treatment' is a series. The third season will premiere this month on HBO. I have worked with some interesting actors, and I admire Gabriel Bryne, who plays the lead.

How do you manage to slip into varied roles with such ease?

I keep searching for what I can get out of a particular role. I've never played any role straight. I try looking at performing them in different ways. Ultimately, it's not an actor's emotions that matter, but his perspective.

How was the experience of working with Sanjay Dutt and Mani Shankar?

Great! Sanju is endearing and unpretentious. ( after a pause ) Frankly, I dislike fake and diplomatic people. All this formality, I don't like, and I can't bear it.

Tell us something about your role in ‘Knock Out'.

I play a down-to-earth, happy-go-lucky guy, from a humble background, who holds the key to the nation's destiny.

Why did you choose to act in ‘Knock Out'?

Because of Sanjay Dutt. We are good friends. He insisted I be a part of this film, which was a really nice gesture on his part. The script was impressive too. There has been a steady, yet definite change in Indian films. Commercial Bollywood films are addressing serious issues. ‘Knock Out' highlights how corrupt politicians are stashing money into secret accounts across the world. Our country is being cheated of millions because of this.

Can issue-based films correct the ills of society?

I won't say films can change society completely. What they can do, however, is create awareness. There's no denying that films leave a deep impression in viewers' minds. Awareness and acceptance are a starting point for change.

What are your views on money being stashed in secret foreign accounts?

When I first heard about this, I wondered how that was possible. And, then I learnt many such accounts are being maintained across the world, in Germany and in the Bahamas too. Worse still, the names of these account holders are yet to be disclosed. Our country is losing a fourth of its revenue because of this. No one asks questions. We are sleeping. We are like sheep. We need to be pushed to sit up and take notice of what's happening in our country.