Did you know Irrfan Khan preferred Shoojit Sircar over Ridley Scott?

17 May 2020

In 2014 IrrfanKhan opted out of theRidleyScott sci-fi spectacleThe Martianwhich later released to raves. RidleyScott is the director of such futuristic classic blockbusters as Alienand Blade Runner. Irrfanhad told me, Yes, I was offeredThe Martian. The director RidleyScott and I met. I had a memorable conversation with him. What an inspiring man and talent. He is so many things at the same time and yet he told me he had seen my Lunchbox. I asked him how he could find the time to see films after being a producer, director and so many other things. He said films likeLunchboxwere his bedtime stories. Can you believe it?Speaking of the role that was offered to himIrrfanhad said, It was that of a NASA scientist. While Matt Damon was inouter spacemy character was very much on earth. But meri baatein hawameinhorahitthi (but I was talking in the air). This was not the first time Irrfan was offered a role byRideyScott. He had earlier offered me part in film with Russell Crowe which too I couldnt do due to time constraints. Maybe Ill be third time lucky.Alas, that was not to be. So why didIrrfansay no toRidleyScott? ForPiku, came the prompt reply. I had committed my dates toShoojitSircars film, and no regrets about that.Pikuis an important film in my career. For the first time I was seen in an overt romantic role. Not that I havent played romantic roles. I have, inMaqbooland The Lunchbox. But in these films I didnt get a chance to romance my heroine with poetry and banter.Shoojitis a good filmmaker, and Id love to work with him again. But more importantly, he is a wonderful human being.Irrfanhas no regrets about losing out onThe Martian. Weirdly the part that was offered to him, of an Indian character named VincentKapoor was played by an African American actor ChiwetelEjiofor.