Mehmood, Premnath and Pran in their heyday were the only character artistes or actors who could give their leading actors a run for their money. Even in films where they were relegated to the scenery, they managed to shine. Boman Irani falls in this league, and while his humility and middle-class background shies away from being totally in the spotlight, his audiences and fans (that’s true, there are tones of them) have a different story to tell. Who can possible forget his comedic role as Dr. J.C Asthana in ‘Munnabhai M.B.B.S’ or as Sardarji Lucky Singh (with a perfect Panju accent) in ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ or as the sly, conniving Kishen Khurana in ‘Khosla ka Ghosla.’ However it was the unforgettable role of Viru Sahastrabuddhe, lovingly called by the nick-name Virus in ‘3 Idiots’ that made him instantaneously and fabulously famous and earned him a Filmfare award. He’s played an assortment of characters since then—Punjabi, Gujarati, South Indian, Muslim, Christian and Parsi—villainous, comedic, or just plain insane; he is definitely the actor you remember. In conversation with Jude Paul Fernandes, he reminisces about the past, present and future. And believe it or not, he is absolutely dead serious when off camera.

Talk to us about your past, and your first big break.
I was a waiter at the Taj (the hotel) and my Mum had a small shop where we sold potato chips. I spent quite a few years helping her out, and I was 25 when I got married. We had 2 kids soon after and the expenses began to mount. So as an initiative to make some money I took to photography—buying equipment was so costly in those days, but I would save and buy equipment, scrimp and then buy some more. Anyway I became a Sports Photographer and covered sports events. Then I covered a Miss India contest, did freelance work and things started to look up. Eventually I got into theatre and Alyque Padamsee was my mentor. I really enjoyed the theatre experience and got to speak multiple languages, dialects and accents. Some of the plays I worked in did really well—‘Roshni’, ‘Mahatma vs. Gandhi’, and the longest running play of my career ‘I’m not Bajirao.’ These were all milestones before the curtain call.

How about your first big break in films as an actor?

I did an experimental film called ‘Let’s Talk’ that got noticed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. He got in touch with me and gave me a check and told me that he wished to block my dates for his forthcoming film. I asked him who was the director and he mentioned a newcomer called Raju Hirani who was an Editor (of films). I wasn’t sure about where this was going and then ultimately ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ was announced. There were several actors and actresses who opted out, and the wait was beginning to get frustrating. Vivek Oberoi, Shahrukh Khan, Tabu, Aishwarya Rai—yes, all of them said no to the film. Perhaps because the director was unknown. Until Sanjay Dutt who had turned 44 at that point of time signed the film. The part was written for a younger actor, but I think he nailed it. So did I as the real doctor, and the rest as they say is history.

Let’s talk about the directors you enjoy working with

Raju Hirani is a close friend, and involves me in the story and plot which is why my performances in his films are always raised a notch, or two higher. There’s Farah Khan who in short is a vivacious maverick. Shyam Benegal who directed me in ‘Well Done Abba’ has an intuitive way of putting across what he wants of his actors and it more than works to his favor to get the best out of you. His tone and thematic way of handling shots are truly remarkable, and needless to say his films speak volumes. I’ve also immensely enjoyed working with—Dibakar Bannerjee (Khosla ka Ghosla), Subhash Kapoor (Jolly LLB), Rajesh Majumdar (Ferrari ka Sawaari) and Jijji Philip (My Wife’s Murder).

You’ve played a plethora of characters but a villain just a couple of times in ‘Don—the chase begins’ and again in ‘Don 2’. Do you not get offers to play a host of villainous characters?

I disagree with your question. Agreed, the Don series have me play the typical one-dimensional Hindi film villain but if you look at my body of work I’ve played equally if not more evil characters—comedic perhaps, but grey, mean and vicious men. Take a look at Rana Jayawardhan in ‘Eklavya’, or Kishen Khurana in ‘Khosla ka Ghosla.’ I’m game to play any kind of character—and every director who casts me knows that even if it’s an inconsequential role I will find nuances and characteristics to make that character pop on screen. Only I as an actor can create that complete character that’s just a figment on paper or in the eyes of a Director. The other thing is also to never get typecast. Allow yourself as much creative freedom as possible to experiment with your talents as an actor—only I can push myself to excel, or rebel depending on the situation. Fortunately for me none of my Directors have ever limited my capacity, or my potential, and for that I am extremely grateful.

Finally do you want to call it a wrap? But before we say ‘Goodbye’ can we have famous last words from a very articulate man…

Many a time you have to extricate yourself from the luxuries of being an actor. It’s very easy for all of the fanfare to get to your head. What satisfies me…is it money, praise, accolades, bank balances? At the end of the day, there is an audience to please and I never forget that. They have elevated me to the position that I have today. I owe them the next best performance. So I work with all of my heart—even if there are consequences—I will not limit myself. I was watching an interview recently of the great Sam Peckinpah (the controversial director of great American films like ‘The Wild Bunch’, ‘Straw Dogs’ and ‘The Getaway’) and this is what he had to say “I want to go home justified.” I echo his deep and profound phrase—it’s something that has stayed with me for the longest time.

jude@thesouthasiannews.com