At an age when most Bollywood actors end up with “itsy bitsy” roles, Boman Irani is getting to play strong and sensible characters and pitches for Indian cinema exploring such films where such actors get equal prominence – as in the recently-released “Finding Fanny”.
“I think there are many situations where character actors are getting equal prominence like main leads, but eventually it is the kind of cinema that has to be explored. ‘Finding Fanny’ is a great example of the same,” the 54-year-old told IANS in an interview.
Directed by Homi Adajania, the English language Bollywood entertainer “Finding Fanny” had Arjun Kapoor and Deepika Padukone as the lead pair, but the film’s USP was veteran actors – Dimple Kapadia, Naseeruddin Shah, and Pankaj Kapur – in key roles.
“I am so glad that ‘Finding Fanny’ found a great audience. I am very proud,” said Boman, who began his acting career pretty late, but he was lucky to get meaty and memorable roles soon enough.
He started his film career in 2001 with “Everybody Says I’m Fine!”, but proved his mettle as J.C. Asthana in Rajkumar Hirani’s 2003 hit comedy “Munnabhai M.B.B.S”. There was no looking back for him after that.
He followed it up with “Being Cyrus”, “Lage Raho Munna Bhai”, “Khosla Ka Ghosla”, “Don – The Chase Begins Again” and “3 Idiots”.
The actor admits that in the past, there were films that had put the spotlight on senior actors and proved to do well.
“I think ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla’ was a good example where the title role was played by Anupam Kher. There have been many examples in the past too,” he said, stressing that an artiste’s age is of little significance.
“I feel it is not about characters, but more about the story. It is eventually the story that we are telling and then everything comes under play. We have to come up with a great story,” added the actor who is geared up for his next release “Happy New Year”.
Directed by Farah Khan and produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, the film is centred on six losers who set out to change their destiny.
Other actors who will be seen in the film include Deepika, Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood, and Vivaan Shah along with Shah Rukh himself.
“Happy New Year” is set for a Diwali release.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
