Irrfan Khan: Hollywood has already taken over Bollywood

Irrfan Khan is a cinematic genius, to say modestly, the trailer of Hindi Medium had already prepared us for an entertaining yet hard-hitting subject which is quite prevalent in the society. In an entertaining round of questions exclusively with Bollworm, Irrfan Khan gets talking about his film, his future and a lot more. Read till the end to know who the real Irrfan Khan is.

What is the story of the film all about?

It’s about a couple and how they are ready to do anything and do almost whatever is required of them for the sake of their child so that the child gets a good education in an English Medium school, as they themselves are warped into the notion that we discussed earlier.

This movie has a really interesting subject, but what excited you about your role which further enticed you to take on this project?

My character doesn’t give a damn about his lack of fluency in English. He is a very self-assured man who is confident about his roots and origins. He’s the last guy that will care about your opinion. Try telling him that his English is not so good, and you will not even see a single crack on his confidence.

Given your elaborate career as an artist, what changes have you felt in yourself?

I honestly don’t critique myself. I can’t bear seeing myself in the movie I’ve worked in! (Laughs) I make the movies for you all, so I will let you guys decide.

How was your Hindi back in school?

I have always done just about alright in the Hindi department. My English has always been a bit shaky. I come from a school where you would be severely penalized for speaking Hindi. So I’ve always been that guy who has been punished for having a better command over Hindi.

Now that you have made it to Hollywood, have you faced any difficulty in terms of adapting to the language?

Of course, I have. But it’s a part of our job. For a project where speaking English is a must, you have to learn to adapt. But however I take it in a positive sense, since learning a new language always helps your brain to expand and it even helps your overall self. But however a kind of thinking that not knowing good English makes you inferior, that’s where the problem is.

What do you think about promoting Hindi?

It’s important to have schools where the main mode of communication is Hindi. Not like other languages shouldn’t be taught, but Hindi as a language will maintain its importance and relevance if such a practice is put in place.

Why is it that in India, English is given more importance over Hindi?

This can be traced back to the time when the British people ruled the country. Although we are on our own now, it has unfortunately become a norm to correlate having fluent English with having an affluent personality. Knowing good English since school days is now perceived to be the key to success. Another reason being is the sub-standard quality of government-owned Hindi Medium Schools as they haven’t given it the importance it deserves. Thanks to privatization, the importance of Hindi is going down further because a businessman always thinks from the point of view of profit, come what may. So they prefer keeping the main medium of communication in such schools as English, since that’s only when parents will consider admitting their children in their schools.

How was your experience with making someone wear a Saari?

I haven’t done it in this one. Part 2 maybe! I’ve just learned to wear one this time. Now, thanks to you, I’m having that absurd wish within me (Laughs)

You were in North East just a while back due to this film. You were expecting a very silent kind of an arrangement, but when you landed, there was a sea of people who were waiting to greet you. How did you feel at that particular moment?

I had never really been there! I was astonished to see such good and innocent people and such a beautiful place. This in fact talks a lot about the reach of the films. I’d even take the nationality out there if they ever begin to roll them out.

How much do box office numbers matter to you?

I have no number circling around my head, but a film should be viable. A producer puts in his hard earned money, we put in all that we have got, and the families of the crew. So its natural to hope that the producer makes money over and above what he has put in, and even we get paid. They can only survive if everybody makes money off the movie. Numbers also matter because ultimately an artist will get further work on that basis.

Saba Qamar is someone who hails from Punjab, much like her character in the film. So did you get to see the Punjabi side of her?

Of course! She surely fights like a hardcore Sardaarni! (laughs)

Are there any special moments in this film like the last few 8-10 minutes of Madaari?

Of course, there are! We hope that you like it as much as we did.

Are you concerned with the clash between your movie and Sarkar 3? Are you having any screening issues?

Baahubali is the best example of the fact that there is an abundance of screens in India. Ultimately good content will always make money one way or the other.

What’s your view on the Azaan row and the whole loudspeaker issue in general?

Do you speak about the nightclubs around hospitals? It’s understandable for a noise-sensitive society to be picking up this matter of loud speakers, but are we a sound sensitive country? That’s the question that we should ask ourselves.

What’s your view on expressing a personal opinion on social media, especially a star like yourself, given that the sea of trolls that come right after that?

I think that every person should have the right to have and express their opinion. I believe that an apt criticism gives way to a healthy discussion and probably the right solution to the matter, if it’s in the hands of the people discussing. And as far as trolls are concerned, they have a shorter shelf life than anything. Ultimately the truth prevails.

Why do you consider Mahatma Gandhi as your ideal?

I consider him so because I think that he was the experimental and the investigative kind. He had an investigative mind. He had a completely different approach in getting us independence. The British were simply unable to match his thinking process. I’m very fascinated by his thought.

Is Hollywood taking over Bollywood on its own ground?

Hollywood has already taken over Bollywood! Based on the data, the footfalls are increasing. Cinemas are minting money, but the Indian producers have faced a significant hit.

Now that Bappi Da’s song is featured now in Guardians of the Galaxy, is there now any kind of new partnership that we should be ready for?

The guys in Hollywood are a bunch of very smart people. Even though they are taking something from our country, it is THEIR content which is to gain. They will use your talent, incorporate it in their work and ultimately sell it to you guys in your own houses.

How excited are you to be sharing screen space with Deepika Padukone again for the Vishal Bhardwaj film?

I can do it a hundred times! Call me even at 2 in the morning, I’m ready to shoot with her.