7 June 2023, Mumbai: In a candid interview for the book “Irrfan: A Life in Movies” by journalist-author Shubhra Gupta, renowned filmmaker Karan Johar opened up about his decision to not direct the late actor Irrfan Khan, fearing that he would not be able to offer him the calibre of roles he deserved. Johar expressed his admiration for Irrfan’s immense talent and unique qualities, acknowledging that he did not want to be remembered as the filmmaker who gave him a substandard mainstream film.
Johar, known for directing blockbusters like “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” confessed that he initially lacked the ability to look beyond big stars and spectacle-driven movies. While Irrfan’s career was flourishing with breakthrough performances in critically acclaimed films, Johar was busy creating extravagant entertainers and had not yet developed the understanding or bandwidth to accommodate Irrfan’s magic and magnitude.
The director reminisced about being awestruck by Irrfan’s exceptional performance in Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Maqbool” and marveled at his unmatched combination of charisma, cinema intellect, presence, and powerful acting abilities. Johar emphasised that Irrfan could not be slotted into any predefined box, as he was a unique and individualistic talent who defied categorization.
Ironically, after Irrfan’s untimely demise, Johar found himself receiving scripts that were perfectly suited for the late actor. He revealed that at least five scripts landed on his table, all of which screamed Irrfan Khan. Johar expressed regret at not being able to collaborate with the actor and believed that now, cinema was finally ready for the kind of material that defined Irrfan’s brilliance.
Acknowledging Irrfan’s tremendous sex appeal, a quality often overlooked in actors associated with cerebral and intellectual cinema, Johar praised the late actor’s ability to exude a captivating allure. He emphasised that Irrfan’s sex appeal was an added dimension to his exceptional talent and contributed to his wide appeal among women.
Despite not having directed Irrfan, Johar took solace in his involvement as a presenter in the film “The Lunchbox,” which featured the actor’s remarkable performance. He regarded Irrfan’s true breakthrough moment in commercial cinema as the success of the 2017 film “Hindi Medium,” which garnered significant box office numbers solely on the basis of Irrfan’s skill and the film’s high-concept storytelling.
As one of India’s most bankable producer-directors, Johar expressed his admiration for Irrfan’s ability to achieve commercial success while delivering powerful performances. He believed that with “Hindi Medium,” the industry finally woke up to the immense commercial potential Irrfan possessed.
“Irrfan: A Life in Movies,” published by Pan Macmillan India, offers an intimate account of Irrfan’s journey, from his early days at the National School of Drama to his remarkable television career and subsequent rise in the film industry. Featuring conversations with key individuals such as Irrfan’s wife Sutapa Sikdar, directors Mira Nair, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Anurag Basu, the book delves into the art, craft, and legacy of this iconic actor.
The interview with Karan Johar provides a rare glimpse into the admiration and respect Irrfan Khan commanded within the industry. It highlights the impact of Irrfan’s talent, versatility, and commercial success, reaffirming his enduring legacy in Indian cinema.