Irrfan Khan Khan clarifies that his role in The Amazing Spider-Man is a small but pivotal one. Irrfan Khan has been the tortoise in the race to fame, moving slowly but steadily to the finish line. After having gathered appreciation from audiences and critics alike with his performance in Paan Singh Tomar, Irrfan will next be seen in the Hollywood film The Amazing Spider-Man. “I am not sure why I was chosen for this role. I just enjoy my trip and don't look for reasons,” says the actor. Irrfan states it is 'not' his film, but that he plays a simple character in it.
Irrfan talks about the film, his Hollywood experience, and shares his opinion of Bollywood.
On his character: I don't see characters as villains even if that's what the story suggests; I don't particularly look at characters as negative. I see the purpose of the character, what he is doing in the story and why he is doing it. In The Amazing Spider-Man, I represent the corporate world and what they do with creativity. It is not a very big role, just an experience for me. However, it is a pivotal one because my character moves the story in some way. I enjoyed my presence in the film.
On his Hollywood experience: When a film is made in Hollywood they see to it that even parents can enjoy it. We haven't done that in Bollywood. I feel that Hollywood is playing a game which is much bigger, like they are trying to capture the world. They have almost done that. Hollywood is also capturing the Hindi market. They have mastered and crafted these things. I don't brag about having worked there, because I hate bragging.
On Indian superheroes: Hindi cinema is also evolving in this direction. Films with special effects are being made; but we have not attempted anything like The Amazing Spider-Man though. Once we start, we will slowly reach the destination.
On popularity: Popularity and gratifying comments satisfy your ego. That is the trap that every actor is in, that he wants to inflate his ego. Sometimes I wonder if this is a disease. But it does give some kind of satisfaction, whether you like it or not. You want to be loved, but sometimes you miss the point. At times, we don't love ourselves enough and that is why we need that kind of acknowledgement from others. Actually that is a folly, a mistake.
On movie promotions: I definitely undertake publicity for films where I think it is necessary, where I am excited about a film, and where I think they need me. But I would like to be in a situation where I don't need to do publicity too. I just do a film and people understand that there is something in it.
On the changing face of Hindi cinema: I am very hopeful about our industry because the new generation which is coming is making fantastic films, which will have a universal language. There are people coming from smaller towns who have stories to tell. And even the audience varies; it is not just concentrated in the cities. It is a good sign that we are exploring other parts of our country. We should have variety in our stories. It is a world of storytelling and you cannot just have glamour.