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Time for some rapping with Boman
HIS OWN NICHE Boman Irani
With 20 films in which he's played as many characters and half a dozen in various stages of production, Boman Irani is undoubtedly one of the most successful character actors in the country. More so when you figure that he started acting in films just six years ago. From selling potato chips to shooting the most beautiful women in India to getting rave reviews for acting, he seems to have achieved so much. His credo: "To find one's calling is not the easiest thing in the world to do, but probably the most important."
His face is like clay and he can mould it to fit any character. Whether it is the mean and evil Farukh Sethna in Being Cyrus or the steadfast editor who turns out to have feet of clay Deepak Suri in Page 3 or the unwittingly hilarious Dr. Asthana who meets his match in Munnabhai, he burrows deep below the skin and evolves into the character. Excerpts from a quick chat:
You started doing photography in your early 30s. What were you doing before that?
I sold potato chips. Seriously, my family owned a small-scale chips business, Golden Wafers. My mom ran it and when she was ill, I began to run it.
How did photography turn from a hobby into a profession?
I had an old camera and used to go out and shoot on Sundays. Over time, I felt strongly about doing more photography. People liked my work and I began getting assignments. From a Sunday photographer, I became a full-time photographer. I began by shooting sport and moved to fashion. I have shot several Miss Indias from the time Diana Hayden entered the contest.
You credit Shiamak Davar with pushing you into acting and claim you were shy. Are you shy?
For the first 10 minutes, but don't tell my wife!
From theatre to films, was it an easy decision?
I held off for a long time. I knew my whole life would change and that I would have to give up photography. But I have done it and I am enjoying it. Photography has become a hobby again.
You have even sung for a film (Home Delivery). What do you like to sing?
I sing quite a few songs. For me, singing is part of the whole stage performance. But I don't like modern music. I might do a rap song for a film if the character is required to do it.
Any character that you would love to play?
I would not want to do roles that someone has already made his own. Except perhaps something from Shakespeare. So, how it feels to be known wherever he goes? Irani says palpable sincerity: "There is something that each of us can do. Believe in yourself and you can achieve whatever you want, if you work hard."
SANDHYA MENDONCA
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