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Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns has released and expectedly, the film has been appreciated for performances by each of the lead protagonists. While Jimmy Shergill and Mahie Gill had pretty much demonstrated their prowess in the first part of the film, inclusion of Irrfan Khan has added further weight to the affair.
Irrfan, looks like your buddy Tigmanshu Dhulia continues to spin some tales which are different from routine when it comes to you. As a prince without a kingdom, you seem to be an unlikely gangster around.
(Laughs) I think he doesn’t want to write straight parts for me. He is always in mood to throw some or the other challenge to me. He has a certain way of looking at characters which are complex in their traits. He has done the same in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns as well. For my part of ‘Raja Bhaiyya’ too he wanted me to take that route and hence made the character much more layered.
This time around it seems to be a really complex tale of lies and deception between you and Mahie.
Definitely. Mahie has one of the best roles written for a woman in Indian films. In fact I would say that for her, this is a role of a lifetime. We enjoyed some great interaction in the film, both in front and off the camera. Just like Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, the sequel too is abound with some good dialoguebaazi that keeps the spice on in the proceedings.
There is some spice in your life as well, what with ‘Life of Pie’ fetching multiple Oscars. Guess international awards are doing much more to your stature as an actor than Indian awards.
It’s not about Indian and American, it is about intention of the body which is giving you an award. This body could be constituted out of India, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka for that matter; it is fine. Acknowledgment from those who are genuinely recognising your talent is always a good sign and is most welcome.
Meanwhile there is a strong buzz in the air that you could well be picking up something interesting in West all over again, especially now that ‘Life of Pie’ has further consolidated your position in the global map.
I haven’t signed any new film on the dotted line though. Once I do that, I would be able to divulge more. There are few scripts that I am reading. Also, there are some interesting books which are supposed to be made into films.
While a book adaptation would be a good idea, how about appearing in a sequel of your own film? Is there anything in your wish-list?
I would love to do a sequel of Life…In A Metro. I would like to take forward the character that I played in Thank You. (Smiles) I would definitely not mind playing Paan Singh Tomar again.
Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder
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