Irrfan reveals his romantic side to us. Based on his performances, intense and brooding are some of the adjectives that people would use to describe actor Irrfan. But, the man himself would like to make an addition to the list. "Romantic. Yes, believe it or not, I am a big romantic and I love watching mushy films," he says grinning widely. The actor proclaims himself to be in love with two things, "the idea of being in love and also, my wife." But at the same time he admits to reticence when it comes to expressing his feelings.
"But, that is also because we, as a society, are not very forthcoming about our feelings.
It is in our upbringing, not to be too demonstrative. We are still conservatives at heart and even though I might want to say 'I love you' to my wife everyday or hold her hand in public, I hesitate." ......And this is a topic that is also explored in Mira Nair's The Namesake. "Tabu and I play an expat couple in the film, and unlike our previous film Maqbool, there is no sizzling chemistry between us this time. The characters are very subdued when it comes to expressing their feelings for each other though they are in love. I took it on because I wanted to do an emotional role for a change." Irrfan's other movies are Naseeruddin Shah's directorial debut Yun Hota To Kya Hota, Deadline with Konkona Sen and Dubai Returned. Is he biased towards 'meaningful' cinema? "I am doing a masala film titled Tulsi with Manisha Koirala. But, when I accept a role, it has to be strong and interesting, and entertaining, but with a message. I don't look at films as commercial or off-beat. But I can't do naach gaana and prance around trees because it's not my style." caltimes@timesgroup.com