Boman Irani, one of Bollywood’s finest actors, shared invaluable wisdom with aspiring filmmakers and actors during the “Vijay Tendulkar Memorial Lecture on Acting” at the 23rd Pune International Film Festival (PIFF). Irani’s words resonated deeply with the audience, offering insights into what it takes to succeed in the world of cinema.
Irani, known for his versatile roles in films like 3 Idiots and Munnabhai MBBS, spoke candidly about the importance of passion, hard work, and dedication in the industry. “To become an excellent actor, you must have a dream and work hard to make it a reality,” he said. “But don’t chase fame, chase what you love. Fame is a byproduct, it will come automatically.”
Hard Work and Perseverance: The Key to Success
Irani’s journey to success was not instant. Despite being part of the industry for years, he took 12 years to become a director and create his own film. “For me to become a director and to make a film, it took me 12 years despite being a part of the industry,” he shared. This long, steady climb was a testament to the perseverance needed to navigate the challenging world of cinema.
Irani emphasised the importance of good writing, calling it the backbone of any successful film. He noted that writing and acting are inherently connected, with both elements required to make a film truly memorable. “Every director and writer should learn to write, and every actor should learn to understand writing,” he advised.
Writing Tips for Aspiring Filmmakers
When it came to offering advice to budding writers, Irani provided actionable tips. “Define the needs and wants of a character,” he said. “Give your characters flaws. Don’t write them as perfect people.” He elaborated that characters should have a “wound,” something that drives them forward in the narrative. “Movies are not about stories; they are about human beings.”
Irani further suggested that writers engage with their characters. “Talk to the characters,” he added. This interaction, according to Irani, helps writers understand their creations more deeply, resulting in more authentic storytelling.
The Role of the Actor: Embodying the Character
Irani also spoke about the importance of actors fully embodying their roles. “If you want to work in a film, pay attention to the script,” he said. “You have to know the real subtext of your story.” Irani’s words highlighted how essential it is for an actor to connect with their character at a deeper level.
Hard work, dedication, and an understanding of the character’s essence are the pillars of great acting, he said. Irani also discussed his experience producing Mehta Boys, a recently released OTT film, sharing insights on managing budgets in filmmaking. “There is no end to it,” he joked. “You will always find a way over hurdles. Everything is about vision and art, never blame the budget.”
Irani’s Personal Journey: From Shy Kid to Bollywood Star
In a heartfelt moment, Irani opened up about his childhood. He revealed that he had been a shy child and struggled with a stammer. However, his mother noticed that he was more confident on stage than in academics. She encouraged him to explore his passion for storytelling by watching more films. This led to a pivotal moment in his life, when he had to explain a film to a blind friend of his father’s. This experience, he said, helped him realise his passion for cinema.
Irani’s career path was anything but straightforward. He worked numerous odd jobs before entering the world of acting. For 14 years, he worked in his family’s wafers shop and even served as a waiter at the Taj Mahal Palace. He later became a photographer, and at the age of 35, he entered the world of commercial Hindi cinema.
Dedication to Craft: Jitendra Joshi’s Tribute
Jitendra Joshi, who was present in the audience at the lecture, fondly recalled working with Irani on the Marathi film Ventilator. He praised Irani for his commitment to the craft, noting that although Irani could have delivered his dialogues in Hindi, he insisted on speaking in Marathi to stay true to the character. This, Joshi said, was a reflection of Irani’s deep dedication to his roles.
Irani’s Inspirations and Gratitude for PIFF
Before the lecture, Irani spoke to the media about the filmmakers who inspired him. He mentioned the likes of Govind Nihalani, Jabbar Patel, Shyam Benegal, and Vijay Tendulkar, all of whom played a significant role in shaping his journey as an actor. “I was inspired by them to become a theatre actor,” he said.
Irani also expressed his admiration for PIFF, praising the platform for providing filmmakers and audiences with the opportunity to interact freely. “PIFF is doing a wonderful job in fostering creative exchange,” he added.
Looking Forward to the Future of Film
Irani’s words at PIFF were a powerful reminder of the hard work, persistence, and passion that drive success in the film industry. For aspiring actors, writers, and filmmakers, his advice remains a guiding light in navigating the complexities of the entertainment world.
