He’s a die-hard fan of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. He adores Mammootty sahib and Mohanlal. As a young man, he’s seen Sivaji Ganesan on screen and has been amazed at his versatility.
Today, Boman Irani is a much sought-after actor, widely known for his comedy and villain roles in big Bollywood films, including Don , Munna Bhai MBBS , 3 Idiots , Happy New Year and the recently-released PK. Excerpts from an email interview:
You started off doing commercials. How easy or difficult was it to make the transition to the film world from there?
It was a primer for me. It helped me understand how the camera and studios operate. With my theatre background and ad films, I thought I was reasonably prepared.
You have done comedy roles and negative ones. Which genre do you like as an actor and why?
I like good stories.
Tell us a bit about your connection with south Indian films; when do we get to see Boman Irani take on bigger roles here?
I’ve done a Telugu film ( Attarintiki Daredi ) and it was a wonderful experience. I’m now halfway though shooting another Telugu film with Ravi Teja, titled Bengal Tiger . For me, acting is acting; irrespective of the language.
Films made in the south have been a pleasure to work on; I look forward to doing more projects.
How do you prepare for a role?
It’s a long process. It’s mostly through observation and a clear understanding of the story. I get into things like the theme of the project and the sur of the film…
What is the most special compliment you’ve got till date?
It’s what my sons told me after watching 3 Idiots . They pretended to be my father; patted me on my back and said, “Well done!”
You also endorse products; you’re the brand ambassador for Ambi Pur, which helps ward off odours at home. Tell us about this association…
I relate with the product. It identifies my needs as a consumer. I love cooking at home and I like my food with homemade ingredients; the product helps me remove stale odours completely.
