'I am thankful to Paresh Rawal'

Boman Irani has turned in one brilliant performance after another. And his characters have been quite peculiar as well. From his earlier films like Darna Mana Hai, Munnabhai series and Main Hoon Na to this Friday's release, Fruit n Nut, Boman seems to know how to entertain. 

Sitting in front of him for this interview, I found Boman to be quite the gentleman to talk to as well. In his friendly manner, Boman shared his nutty experiences on the sets of Fruit n Nut with Nithya Ramani.

The film incidentally, is Kunal Vijaykar's directorial debut, and also stars Cyrus Broacha, Dia Mirza and Mahesh Manjrekar.

What is Fruit n Nut about?

It is impossible to describe the film and even more impossible to act in it! The film is about four characters, whose stories run parallel.

I play an old man, who thinks he's the Maharaja of Bombay, and wants his land back. He is whimsical and doesn't know what he is saying. It was very confusing to act like a terrorist. He calls for two terrorists to knock off Cyrus (Broacha).

We have made a film that we enjoyed and want people to enjoy it too.

Tell us about your look in the film.

Well, I don't know how old I am. I must be 80 or 120 years old. All I know is that my look is interesting -- but not accurate. He is wrinkling, almost bald and has white hair on his back. He wears a red robe with medallions on it. It is funny to see a character like that.

Are you as funny as you appear on screen?

I am a light-hearted person but I'm serious when need be. I don't like to be morose.

I think this question should be asked to my wife; she is the one who's with me all the time. If she says I'm funny, then I think I am.

How was the atmosphere on the sets, with the hilarious Cyrus Broacha?

I think Cyrus is a brilliant kid -- or rather he pretends to be brilliant, fooling people by showing that he is bright.

He plays a nerd in the film and it's great fun to be with him on the sets. He talks a lot but takes hours to say one sentence. I am always waiting to leave after pack-up.

Did you always intend to act? Or did that just happen?

I didn't intend on acting. I was a photographer and doing well at that. I got a few offers and did a couple of films. So acting just happened. And it is going good so far.

Photography has kind of taken a backseat. I still continue that but not professionally. That is something I can't let go of. It gives me a high and has an intoxicating effect.

Do you think photography helped you as an actor?

Definitely. I get a clearer idea of what the director wants, about the composition and background. I get along well with camerapersons. We discuss the angle and lighting.

Paresh Rawal plays a role in your success. The role of Dr Asthana in Munnbhai MBBS -- your first hit -- was first offered to him.

I am thankful to him for whatever he is. I believe the role was offered to many people like Amrish Puri as well. I am thankful to everyone.

I am, in fact, doing a film with Paresh Rawal now.

Do you have any friends in the industry, who you think will always stand by you? Do you consult anyone while taking up projects?

No, I don't consult anyone for projects. But I am friends with many people in the industry. I make friends with all those whom I work with. Raju (Rajkumar Hirani, director) and I are great friends.

What next?

There's a huge list -- 3 Idiots, Well Done Abba, Kaun Bola, Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai, Mirch and Abhi Dilli Door Nahi. These are the only ones I can think of. I would like to sing in films.