Apurv Shukla –
One of the most liked Hindi films of this year has been ‘Piku.’
The Shoojit Sircar directed human drama saw Deepika Padukone play the title role of an ambitious, independent modern woman of today.
Amitabh Bachchan played the role of Piku’s father and Irrfan Khan was her love interest.
Everyone associated with the film was praised their work and it was no surprise to see Irrfan walk away with most accolades post Piku.
Arduous journey
This was another feather in the cap for the 48 year old Jaipur born Irrfan, an alumnus of the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi.
He has traversed a long road of struggle to occupy the position he does today; where he is recognised as a commercially successful actor.
One of the earliest sightings of Irrfan was on the Indian state run channel Doordharshan in 1988. Khan played the role of emperor Harshavardhana in the Shyam Benegal directed film ‘Bharat Ek Khoj.’
The advent of satellite television in India gave Irrfan more opportunities to showcase his talent. ‘Sparsh,’ in particular ‘Star Bestsellers’ saw the tall actor with big eyes display his histrionics in playing many different characters.
Bond with Director
It was during the filming of Star Best sellers that a successful creative bond was formed between director Tigmanshu Dhulia and Irrfan. The duo combined on Dhulia’s first Bollywood directorial venture-Haasil, to a favourable outcome. Set amidst the background of University politics in Northern India, this gritty tale gave Irrfan his first Filmfare Award for the best actor in a negative role in 2004. The duo came back to make Pan Singh Tomar, a film where Irrfan’s turn as the dacoit from the Chambal region Pan Singh –won him a National award in 2012.
Global gateway
Around the same time as ‘Haasil’ doors to international cinema opened for Irrfan, with ’Warrior,’ directed by Asif Kapadia.
Born in Britain, Kapadia cast Irrfan in the titular role of an ancient warrior looking to turn a page in his life, and lead a normal life.
Since then, Irrfan has acted alongside the likes of Angelina Jolie in ‘The Mighty Heart’ to the recent ‘Jurassic World’ by Colin Trevorrow in which he played Simon, the owner of the Jurassic World.
His future Hollywood projects include Inferno where he co-stars with Tom Hanks.
Irrfan is leading the way for other Indian actors to play prominent roles in Hollywood productions, and not be side-lined in bit parts.
Changing scene
Irrfan’s success epitomises changes in the Hindi film industry.
Indian audiences of today are exposed to cinema and television from around the world.
They are now conditioned to accept and encourage films and actors which do not fall into the conventional Hindi film template.
The entry of corporates and the rapid growth of multiplexes have led to more avenues for different kinds of films to be made.
May this continue as actors like Irrfan Khan enrich the film craft, and show the world that they are examples of stars in their screen and real lives.
Photo :
Irrfan takes it all in ‘Piku’
Irrfan with Angelina Jolie and Dan Futterman, stars of ‘A Mighty Heart’
