*It's great to be recognised' * ** Irrfan Khan, a vital part of the successful 'Slumdog Millionaire' on why the film works for him and why he disagrees with the critics. ZIYA US SALAM
*Moving story: Irrfan comes out in defence of the film. * Irrfan Khan defies all stereotypes of our film industry. Be it in the choice of the films he does. Or even the way he conducts himself. In response to an SMS, he calls back, even introducing himself. This from a man whose voice is his hallmark. Also, the man who has been a vital part of the much-feted "Slumdog Millionaire", which landed four Golden Globes, including one for the Best Original Score that A.R. Rahman won! Neutral observer However, isn't it strange that we are celebrating international awards for a film based in Mumbai slums? And it is directed by a foreigner too? Irrfan disagrees. "At times when you are the subject matter, you don't get the reality. You don't get the wider perspective. You need a dispassionate neutral observer to cut it for you." He adds further, "'Slumdog Millionaire' is made for their market, the global market. It is not meant for India as such. While making the film, the producer and director were conscious of their target audience and made the film accordingly. For instance, here you see a slum boy tale but the boy speaks English. Sometimes these decisions are not easy to make. There was a similar criticism for "City of Joy". But I believe it needed courage and vision to make this kind of a film. We may not identify with the slum boy speaking English but the world does." Irrfan is clearly unhappy with the way critics look at our films, even at the moment of finest glory. "I faced similar criticism at the time of the 'Warrior'. People abroad loved the film but critics started digging the roots out of the film. They did not realise that the warrior was a fictitious character. Similarly, 'Slumdog Millionaire' is based on Vikas Swarup's book but it is a work of fiction. Above fact and fiction, it is a moving story of human spirit. That is what I find uplifting. When I do a film I see if the story is moving. Here it certainly does." Incidentally, he plays a police inspector in the film. Thrilling feeling And what about the celebrations that have followed international recognition for Rahman and the rest of the cast and crew of "Slumdog Millionaire"? "It is great to be recognised. There is a huge market in front of us now. We all look up to it. Recognition matters for a film. We like to get acknowledgement for our hard work. It affects our business, it affects our happiness. So, it is quite a thrilling feeling to get all the Golden Globe awards." And what about Rahman's music in the film? "It is outstanding. But frankly, Rahman deserves much more. Hopefully, now the world will stand up and take notice of his enormous talent." http://www.hindu.com/mag/2009/02/01/stories/2009020150180500.htm -- regards, Vithur
