Irrfan: What’s in a name?

Bollywood actor Irrfan says being a Khan doesn’t guarantee success.

MUMBAI:

Actor Irrfan was Bollywood’s Khan with a difference, until he dropped his surname. He is unhappy with the way his decision is being talked about in the industry and says being a Khan does not translate into success, reports IANS.

“I don’t understand why you want to put all the Khans in one bag and mix them up. You think I wouldn’t have been as successful if my name were Irrfan Ali?” the actor replied to a question about the dominance of Khans in Bollywood. “Everyone has his own place and a surname doesn’t benefit you. If Aamir Khan’s name had been something else, even then he would have been what he is today because your work counts more than the name,” added the 49-year-old.

Irrfan has been highly praised for his last film Paan Singh Tomar, before which he dropped his surname.

The actor says Paan Singh Tomar owes its success to the way public promoted it on social networking sites. “The way the media promoted this film and of course the critical acclaim it received helped the film become a hit. But most importantly, the manner in which people promoted it, especially on social networking sites, benefited this film immensely,” said Irrfan.

The actor has finished shooting for a European film Qissa and also The Amazing Spider Man. He will soon start shooting for Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Sahib, Biwi aur Gangster Returns. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2012.