An actor par excellence, Irrfan Khan’s roles are always remembered for the awesome impact it creates in the audience’s mind. His trademark obsession with detail and authenticity inevitably ignites the screen each time he graces it. As a viewer, we carry that awareness as we watch him in every role that he portrays. Irrfan Khan is a global icon for his versatile acting and on the occasion of the World Television Premiere of Qarib Qarib Singlle on &pictures on 17th February at 8 PM, Irrfan talks about modern dating, his past loves, working with co-stars and much more…
- Tell us something about Qarib Qarib Singlle.
It is redefining Tanuja Chandra’s storytelling and I am so happy that she came up with this story. There is so much freshness about it and it’s beautifully written by her mother. It’s a bright happy feel good film. The movie showcases a very interesting stage in two people's life where they come together and there’s some magic and fascination which is not formulated. The journey becomes more important at that time rather than defining what the relationship is. It’s a very exciting story.
- What is it about travel that ignites romance between two people? You travelled to a lot of beautiful locations for the film.
It is said that if you really want to understand a person, see him in his crisis. And I believe that if you really want to know a person, go on a journey. The masks come off and you can see their real nature. Diversity was one reason why we chose to shoot in so many locations like Bikaner, Gangtok, Rishikesh and many others. You can portray a journey best through different locales and the atmosphere of the locations were mesmerising. The viewers will be stunned with the places we chose to shoot for this film.
- What is so different and quirky about Yogi?
He is a very desi banda. He is strange yet endearing. He can make other people exasperated with whom he is interacting. He is a unique personality who loves reciting shaayris, which are horrible but he still recites them. He is full of life and enjoys every moment to the fullest. Yogi talks a lot about himself and is an out and out chatterbox.
- Parvathy and you worked for the first time on this film. How was it to shoot with her?
Sometimes in some stories it works to have an unknown face. Because people connect with the character without any baggage. When I met Parvathy, I told her she is the hero of the film. She brought a hue of colour to this film which wasn’t there in the script. She left the little traces of her being Malayalam in the film, which looks lovely. She is a brilliant performer and she makes love to the camera with her performance.
- Your wife was the producer of the film. How was that experience?
My wife is my best friend and we discuss everything. We often talk about my work and she thought producing a film like Qarib Qarib Singlle would be great as the love story was unique. We studied in the same film school and my wife has a better understanding of many things than me, including performances. She has a lot of creative energy and that has translated beautifully in this film and its story.
- The movie revisits three of Yogi’s past lovers. Have you revisited any of your past loves?
I did once and I do have good memories of my past love. There is a similarity between the character Yogi and me. I keep bright moments from the past with me and filter out the bad ones. Someone told me once that I put fairy lights on my past.
- Tell us something about the film that the viewers will experience during the World Television Premiere?
Qarib Qarib Singlle is a very happy film and will make you feel romantic as well. The film has its own old-world charm to it which is beautiful. It’s a very Hindustani real-life type of a film. I am sure the viewers will love to watch that on television.
- Why are there two L’s in Singlle?
In the film, Jaya and Yogi meet through a website called Abtaksinglle.com, hence the movie’s title has two L’s as well. It’s like putting strain on the word ‘Single’ and making it sound like, it’s been forever that you’ve not been in a relationship.
- Who would you date if you were single?
I would date Bharti Singh (the comedian) She is a crazy girl and is full on entertainment. I can’t even imagine how crazy my days with her will be. She will keep me entertained throughout.
- Do you think it’s okay to get on a dating site and find the love of your life?
Yes sure, why not! Love can happen in the most unexpected ways to people. Some meet their partners and spouses through friends, an arranged marriage set up or matrimonial sites. A dating site is a cool platform to find someone who you think you’re compatible with. There shouldn’t be any stigma or any taboo around it.
- Today’s generation gets into a relationship very fast and the break up happens even faster. What’s your take on it?
Today’s generation is more impulsive than what we were. There is no peace in their life and most of them are impulsive decision makers. With time, they will all learn the importance of having that one special person with whom they can spend the rest of their life.
the rest of their life.