Interview: Boman Irani’s meeting with Shah Rukh Khan in Berlin, if Irfan had been, he would give him ‘The Mehta Boys’

Last updated:February 09, 2025, 08:14 IST

Boman Irani made his debut in direction with ‘The Mehta Boys’ at the age of 65. The film was also shown at Berlin Film Festival. He played all three roles acting, direction and writing. Meanwhile, he made News18 Hindi …Read more

Boman Irani had a special conversation with News18 Hindi. (Insta@Boman_irani)

As such, Boman Irani has always left a special impression from many of his characters. They have played such a strong role that the lead actor has also been left behind. In his 24 -year film career, he did many films as an actor but at the age of 65, he is sitting on the director’s chair for the first time. Yes, the first film ‘The Mehta Boys’, directed by Boman Irani, has come on OTT. Which was also shown at the Berlin Film Festival. Boman Irani worked for about 5 years on this film. Not only acting and director but also as a writer, he deemed this story. He had a special conversation with ‘News18 India’ about this film. Read full interview.

Why ‘The Mehta Boys’ is different from films made on the relationship of the second father-son?
Regarding the film, he says, ‘This is not just a story, but it is an attempt to deeply understand and expose human emotions and sensations. The focus of the film is on two characters that are very different from each other. Also match each other. I would call it a prestigious film, where a father and son live together for 48 hours. Many things face and both of them run in the heart and mind have their own things.

How difficult is it to act and direction in a film?
In the film ‘The Mehta Boys’, Boman Irani has not only acted but has also done directation. This is his directorial debut. Also wrote writing. In such a situation, he said about how challenging it was to perform direction and acting together, ‘Direction is a big job in itself, and when you are acting in the film yourself, the responsibility doubles. But when you get connected to the script and understand every aspect, then this work becomes a little easier. He said that he had fully planned for the direction and already rehearsed well, so that there is no problem during the filming.

If you do not play the role of father himself, then who would choose for this role?
During the interview, when he was asked if he got a chance, which actor he wanted to take in his film for his father’s role? So he took the name of Irfan Khan. He said, ‘Irrfan Khan was one of my favorite actors. His talent was unmatched. He used to put his life in every character. If he were today, I would definitely cast him for this film.

Avinash Tiwari’s casting was fixed for the role of son?
Avinash Tiwari has played the role of son in ‘The Mehta Boys’. Regarding his casting, Boman Irani said that we had taken many auditions, but Avinash had a different depth in the performance. He understands his character and plays it with seriousness. This was the reason that he was selected for this film.

How was the experience with Shahrukh Khan?
With Shah Rukh Khan, Boman Irani has worked in many films like Dunki, Don 2 to Happy New Year. Talking about the experience of working with King Khan, he said, ‘Shahrukh makes everyone feel comfortable on the set. He takes the entire team along and creates a happy atmosphere. Working with him is always a great experience. My last met her in Berlin. He stayed in the same hotel where I was. We had a good conversation.

Why is the business of films not able to be able to manage?
There was nothing special according to the number of 2024 films. The start of the year 2025 has also been slow. In such a situation, what is the reason that the movies are not able to do good business at the box office, so Boman Irani says, ‘I do not make the film how it will run in the market, but because I make that story to bring that story to the world. Looks necessary. Of course, business is also necessary, but most important is that the film reaches the hearts of the audience. The matter of the number is changed after the OTT. If people listen to the film from someone’s mouth, then only they go to the theater or else they wait for OTT to come. “

Have you ever done a picture in friendship?
On this question, he says, ‘Absolutely I have done many films due to friendship and mutual bonds. What is the harm in this? If someone wants my contribution, I will definitely give. If someone wants to bring out a good story, then I will definitely support it.