Patcy N in Mumbai
Irrfan Khan may be starring in one of Hollywood's biggest releases, The Amazing Spider-Man, but the actor admits that he was more of a Phantom and Mandrake fan.
It was only at the insistence of his two sons that he took up the new Spider-Man film.
Irrfan plays a scientist who creates the Lizard, which will take on Spider-Man in the film.
Irrfan discusses the film with Patcy N, and also talks about what he would like to change if he had the super powers.
How does it feel being a part of such a big film?
I am fortunate that I could play a part in this myth of America; the biggest fantasy of the film world.
I had a great experience working with (director) Mark Webb and (actor) Andrew Garfield. He is a promising and fantastic actor. He's the best Spider-Man. Although it looks like an action-packed film, it has soul, which these films usually lack.
The production design, the huge canvas, the shoot and the scale was an experience in itself. As an actor, you want to go through these experiences at least once in your lifetime.
'I was fan of Phantom and Mandrake'
Have you been a fan of the earlier Spider-Man films?
I used to read comic books when I was young and have been a fan of these characters -- but not particularly Spider-Man. I was fan of Phantom and Mandrake.
Do you play the villain in the film?
I don't see roles like that. I see the purpose of the character, why he's doing what he is.
The way I see this film -- I represent a corporate world and what they can do with their creativity. My character has been asked to deliver something.
'I did this film for the experience'
Anil Kapoor had a five-minute role in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. How long is your role in the film?
Let me measure and tell you. (Laughs)
My role is not lengthy. I did it for the experience. In Hollywood, they call such roles pivotal because he moves the story someway. But it's not a big role.
Are you going for the US premiere of Spider-Man?
Yes. I'm going to the US as I have to finish shooting the Life Of Pi too.
'In Hollywood, when they make a film for children, they make sure parents enjoy it too'
Are you happy with the way The Amazing Spider-Man has shaped up?
I am happy for the film; it's very well made. It caters to the family audience and children.
In Hollywood, when they make a film for children, they make sure parents enjoy it too. We, in India, haven't been able to do it.
I don't brag about my films because I don't like bragging. I hate bragging. People think that if they brag, it will get them new projects. But I don't want to achieve anything through bragging.
But I will definitely do publicity for films where I think it's necessary.
'I want to change the ignorance of human beings, and instant gratification'
Image: Irrfan Khan on The Amazing Spider-ManVideo: Hitesh Harisinghani
If you are superhero and you are given a chance to fix things around the world, what would you fix?
The ignorance of human beings, and instant gratification. We are being suggested through different means that this is what life means -- instant gratification. We're a part of nature's cycle but we're losing touch of that. I would like to tell people not to be ignorant.
So what's the toughest part of shooting in Hollywood?
The long flight!
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