Irrfan Khan: 'Life of Pi' Role Didn't Come Easy

Summary

In this interview with the Wall Street Journal, actor Irrfan Khan discusses his roles in films like 'Slumdog Millionaire,' 'The Amazing Spider-Man,' and 'The Life of Pi.' He reflects on his preparation for challenging roles, including portraying the older Pi and real-life figures in 'A Mighty Heart.' Khan emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling, sharing how certain roles, like in 'The Warrior,' reignited his passion for acting. He also explores the unique authenticity brought by inexperienced actors, the slow yet profound connection to characters like Pi, and the emotional depth required to portray human vulnerability and heroism on screen.

Takeaways

• 😀 Irrfan Khan discusses his experience of playing the adult version of Pi in the movie 'Life of Pi,' emphasizing the complexity of the role.
• 😀 Irrfan had heard of the book 'Life of Pi' before, but only read it after being offered the role, as he didn't want to emotionally invest in the story unless he was sure he'd take the part.
• 😀 After reading the book, Irrfan was amazed by its depth, describing the story as 'beyond imagination' and touching on essential human issues like survival and spirituality.
• 😀 Irrfan mentions the interesting dynamic between his older Pi character and the younger version, emphasizing that the director, Ang Lee, managed the casting so well that no coordination was needed between the two actors.
• 😀 He believes that the young actor portraying the younger Pi brought a raw, untainted energy to the role, which was difficult for a more seasoned actor to replicate.
• 😀 Irrfan reflects on how certain roles have deeply impacted his life, such as his experience in 'The Warrior,' which reignited his passion for acting and reshaped his career.
• 😀 He shares how the film 'A Mighty Heart' impacted him emotionally due to the real-life tragedy it depicts, portraying the abduction and murder of journalist Daniel Pearl.
• 😀 Irrfan was drawn to the book 'A Mighty Heart' due to Mari Pearl's vulnerability and emotional strength during a heartbreaking tragedy, and her ability to maintain composure despite the circumstances.
• 😀 He expresses his desire to play a range of characters, not just within Hollywood, but across different film industries, with roles ranging from a rock star to darker, more villainous figures.
• 😀 The character of Pi in 'Life of Pi' initially felt resistant to Irrfan, who struggled to connect with it. He ultimately needed to redefine his approach to the role and work on multiple levels to truly inhabit it.
• 😀 Despite the difficulty in connecting with the character of Pi initially, Irrfan was ultimately able to embrace the role, and the film is receiving excellent critical reviews.

Q & A

Did Irrfan Khan read the book 'Life of Pi' before being offered the role?

Irrfan Khan had heard about the book but never read it until director Ang Lee offered him the role. He mentioned that as an actor, he didn't want to invest emotionally in the subject unless he was sure he would take on the role.

What did Irrfan Khan think of the 'Life of Pi' book after reading it?

After reading the book, Irrfan Khan was amazed by its depth. He described the book as beyond imagination, dealing with issues that are intrinsic to human beings, touching on themes that are fundamental to human existence.

How did Irrfan Khan prepare for playing the adult version of Pi in 'Life of Pi'?

Irrfan Khan didn't have to specifically coordinate with the younger actor playing Pi because the casting was handled by Ang Lee. He trusted the director's judgment, and they focused on their individual portrayals rather than working on a combined performance.

How did Irrfan Khan feel about the role of the younger Pi, who had little acting experience?

Irrfan Khan believed that the lack of acting experience in the younger Pi actor brought a unique and raw quality to the performance. He explained that fresh talent often brings something rare, something that trained actors may find hard to access due to their established methods.

Has Irrfan Khan ever found a role that he considers the epitome of his career?

Irrfan Khan reflected on his role in the film 'The Warrior' as a turning point in his career. He was losing his passion for acting before taking on the role, but the experience reignited his passion and shifted his focus from television to film.

What did Irrfan Khan learn from working on the film 'A Mighty Heart'?

Irrfan Khan found the story of 'A Mighty Heart' deeply impactful, particularly the vulnerability and emotional strength of Marianne Pearl. He was drawn to her ability to maintain composure and examine herself amidst the tragedy of losing her husband, Daniel Pearl.

How did Irrfan Khan approach the emotional depth of playing real people in 'A Mighty Heart'?

Irrfan Khan acknowledged the difficulty of portraying real people, especially in a tragic story like that of Daniel Pearl's abduction and murder. He was particularly struck by the emotional complexity of Marianne Pearl and sought to capture her vulnerability and heroism.

Is there a specific role in Hollywood that Irrfan Khan craves to play?

Irrfan Khan expressed that he didn't crave specific roles in Hollywood. He mentioned that the film industry allows actors to explore various prototypes or personas, from villains to rock stars, and that he was always open to exploring different aspects of his acting range.

What challenges did Irrfan Khan face while preparing for the role of Pi in 'Life of Pi'?

Irrfan Khan described the process of preparing for Pi's role as slow and challenging. The role required him to redefine his approach to acting, work on different levels of performance, and command the book’s immense material, which took considerable time and effort.

What has been the response to 'Life of Pi' so far?

Irrfan Khan shared that 'Life of Pi' has received great critical reviews. He expressed his gratitude for the positive reception and appreciation of the film's unique storytelling and the performances of its cast.