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IRRFAN: A Life in Movies
An eminent film critic engages Bollywood and beyond in conversation about Irrfan Khan’s art, craft, life and legacy.
A spellbinding performer, Irrfan Khan was also a seeker who never stopped honing his skills, each new work a revelation, his oeuvre transformative for Hindi cinema. From his National School of Drama days to his nearly decade-long stint in television and subsequently his arrival in the movies, everyone who watched Irrfan knew they were in the presence of someone special. With his death from an incurable cancer, we lost an actor nonpareil. What is it that gave Irrfan, an ‘outsider’ to Bollywood, his distinction? What has been his contribution to cinema? How does one measure his legacy?
Long-time film critic Shubhra Gupta asks these and other probing questions to members of the film fraternity who knew Irrfan, worked with him or observed him closely – Sutapa Sikdar, Shailja Kejriwal, Shyam Benegal, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Vishal Bhardwaj, Naseeruddin Shah, Mira Nair, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anup Singh, Tillotama Shome, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, among several others. As they discuss Irrfan’s films, his craft, and his philosophy as an actor, what emerges is a deeply layered, complex and endlessly absorbing portrait of one of Indian cinema’s most influential artistes.
Abuzz with a polyphony of perspectives on the actor and Hindi cinema at large, this is a rich collectible for Irrfan’s admirers and cinephiles alike.
A spellbinding performer, Irrfan Khan was also a seeker who never stopped honing his skills, each new work a revelation, his oeuvre transformative for Hindi cinema. From his National School of Drama days to his nearly decade-long stint in television and subsequently his arrival in the movies, everyone who watched Irrfan knew they were in the presence of someone special. With his death from an incurable cancer, we lost an actor nonpareil. What is it that gave Irrfan, an ‘outsider’ to Bollywood, his distinction? What has been his contribution to cinema? How does one measure his legacy?
Long-time film critic Shubhra Gupta asks these and other probing questions to members of the film fraternity who knew Irrfan, worked with him or observed him closely – Sutapa Sikdar, Shailja Kejriwal, Shyam Benegal, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Vishal Bhardwaj, Naseeruddin Shah, Mira Nair, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anup Singh, Tillotama Shome, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, among several others. As they discuss Irrfan’s films, his craft, and his philosophy as an actor, what emerges is a deeply layered, complex and endlessly absorbing portrait of one of Indian cinema’s most influential artistes.
Abuzz with a polyphony of perspectives on the actor and Hindi cinema at large, this is a rich collectible for Irrfan’s admirers and cinephiles alike.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2023
9 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 29, 2023
This book was gifted to me by my sons on Father’s Day. If not so , I am not sure if I would have bought it. I am so glad they got it for me.
The book is a perfect ode to how we remember Irrfan. I am amazed at the depth of the conversations author has had and how different people have brought about diverse perspectives about Irrfan. It makes a very interesting read and also brings forth the stories about the movies he acted, how he felt , how he wanted to be seen , who he was amongst other things.
I now have a list of movies I want to go to watch and some watch again and experience with the knowledge or the stories I read about them.
I also experienced a new way of reading a biography via interviews .
I hope when I die some one does a similar interviews about me with my friends and family and compiles it even if not in a book but maybe a blog .
The book is a perfect ode to how we remember Irrfan. I am amazed at the depth of the conversations author has had and how different people have brought about diverse perspectives about Irrfan. It makes a very interesting read and also brings forth the stories about the movies he acted, how he felt , how he wanted to be seen , who he was amongst other things.
I now have a list of movies I want to go to watch and some watch again and experience with the knowledge or the stories I read about them.
I also experienced a new way of reading a biography via interviews .
I hope when I die some one does a similar interviews about me with my friends and family and compiles it even if not in a book but maybe a blog .
July 17, 2023
The book is a beautiful way to remember Irrfan and his contribution to the movies.
By the end of most chapters, I found myself smiling involuntarily in response to this beautiful human being, and how he is remembered.
This book is not really a biography of Irrfan, although the author does take us through his journey in the television and cinemas from the late 80s. The book is formatted as interviews conducted by the author with some well-known names of Indian cinemas who were friends, co-actors, directors, film critics, etc., in which they discuss Irrfan, his legacy, his uncontrollable laughter, his magnetic (even sexy) eyes and his passing. In addition to this, they also discuss the evolution of the movie industry in India and Hollywood as well.
If you're a movie watcher like me, you will also have the impulse to add a few names to your movie lists (and some of these are rare gems).
By the end of most chapters, I found myself smiling involuntarily in response to this beautiful human being, and how he is remembered.
This book is not really a biography of Irrfan, although the author does take us through his journey in the television and cinemas from the late 80s. The book is formatted as interviews conducted by the author with some well-known names of Indian cinemas who were friends, co-actors, directors, film critics, etc., in which they discuss Irrfan, his legacy, his uncontrollable laughter, his magnetic (even sexy) eyes and his passing. In addition to this, they also discuss the evolution of the movie industry in India and Hollywood as well.
If you're a movie watcher like me, you will also have the impulse to add a few names to your movie lists (and some of these are rare gems).
bollywood
June 10, 2023Conversational. Can be repetitive. But nice. First hand insights are always nice.
August 15, 2023
In "Irrfan: A Life in Movies," Shubhra Gupta orchestrates an intimate symphony of voices from the realm of Indian cinema, paying homage to the late actor Irrfan Khan. With a profound blend of reverence and insight, this book unravels the layers of Irrfan's art, craft, life, and lasting legacy, inviting readers into a captivating discourse on his unique journey.
Irrfan Khan, a luminary who transcended cinematic boundaries, is celebrated here not merely as an actor but as a seeker, a transformative force who elevated Hindi cinema with his spellbinding performances. Gupta's meticulous curation of insights from those who knew and worked with Irrfan allows for a kaleidoscopic exploration of his impact. From his early days at the National School of Drama to his television and film career, the book traces his evolution as a storyteller and an indomitable presence.
Through candid conversations with luminaries like Sutapa Sikdar, Shyam Benegal, Mira Nair, Vishal Bhardwaj, and many more, the book delves into the essence of Irrfan's contributions and the intangible essence that set him apart. The narrative echoes with personal anecdotes, thoughtful reflections, and touching memories, weaving an intricate tapestry of emotions that capture Irrfan's essence both on and off-screen.
Author's prose is artfully balanced, guiding readers through the mosaic of perspectives with eloquence and respect. As the book contemplates Irrfan's status as an 'outsider' in Bollywood, it delves into the very attributes that endowed him with a rare distinction. The discussions explore not only his craft but also his philosophy as an actor, revealing a depth of thought and dedication that propelled him into the echelons of cinematic brilliance.
"Irrfan: A Life in Movies" is more than just a tribute; it is a celebration of a cinematic luminary who left an indelible mark on the industry and in the hearts of millions. For admirers of Irrfan Khan and cinephiles alike, this book encapsulates the essence of his artistry, offering a poignant and multifaceted perspective on his legacy. Author's work serves as a testament to the power of cinema to inspire, connect, and immortalize the contributions of extraordinary talents like Irrfan.
Irrfan Khan, a luminary who transcended cinematic boundaries, is celebrated here not merely as an actor but as a seeker, a transformative force who elevated Hindi cinema with his spellbinding performances. Gupta's meticulous curation of insights from those who knew and worked with Irrfan allows for a kaleidoscopic exploration of his impact. From his early days at the National School of Drama to his television and film career, the book traces his evolution as a storyteller and an indomitable presence.
Through candid conversations with luminaries like Sutapa Sikdar, Shyam Benegal, Mira Nair, Vishal Bhardwaj, and many more, the book delves into the essence of Irrfan's contributions and the intangible essence that set him apart. The narrative echoes with personal anecdotes, thoughtful reflections, and touching memories, weaving an intricate tapestry of emotions that capture Irrfan's essence both on and off-screen.
Author's prose is artfully balanced, guiding readers through the mosaic of perspectives with eloquence and respect. As the book contemplates Irrfan's status as an 'outsider' in Bollywood, it delves into the very attributes that endowed him with a rare distinction. The discussions explore not only his craft but also his philosophy as an actor, revealing a depth of thought and dedication that propelled him into the echelons of cinematic brilliance.
"Irrfan: A Life in Movies" is more than just a tribute; it is a celebration of a cinematic luminary who left an indelible mark on the industry and in the hearts of millions. For admirers of Irrfan Khan and cinephiles alike, this book encapsulates the essence of his artistry, offering a poignant and multifaceted perspective on his legacy. Author's work serves as a testament to the power of cinema to inspire, connect, and immortalize the contributions of extraordinary talents like Irrfan.
June 30, 2023
Irrfan: A Life In Movies by Shubhra Gupta, a book where the author has interviewed and had conversations with various industry professionals and friends of Irrfan Khan over the years and his life journey in the film industry.
The book also has some unseen and raw pictures of his journey through different movie sets, shootings, etc. The journey is very beautiful and the book highlights what gave an outsider, a place and name in the Bollywood film industry.
My personal favorite has to be "Karwaan" where I personally loved his character. Definitely pick this book up if you're a fan of this award winning actor and his journey, the book has some very interesting insights which you probably won't get to read anywhere else.
The book also has some unseen and raw pictures of his journey through different movie sets, shootings, etc. The journey is very beautiful and the book highlights what gave an outsider, a place and name in the Bollywood film industry.
My personal favorite has to be "Karwaan" where I personally loved his character. Definitely pick this book up if you're a fan of this award winning actor and his journey, the book has some very interesting insights which you probably won't get to read anywhere else.
Read
April 11, 2024DNF.
July 13, 2024
Helps give you an insight into his psyche, his craftsmanship and the many he influenced and inspired along the way just through the weight of his convictions and knowledge & mastery of his craft.
Read
January 23, 2024The short and stunning life of Irrfan comes together like a jigsaw with a long list of stellar associates contributing their experiences with and assessments of the actor. The list is as long as it is eclectic, with people from his early career to illustrious colleagues to commentators to even possible collaborators on this list. Each contributes a unique facet (or more) of Irrfan, and his life - and Hindi cinema of the 2000s/2010s - comes to life one unusual piece at a time.
June 3, 2024
A good read. Got to know so much about Irrfan. the reason behind his name Why he removes Khan from his name and adds one more r to his name to create his own brand. IRRFAN !!!
The book is basically a conversation among the author and different actors, directors and all the persons who were close to Irfan. It is not a biography though the author has mentioned some details about his career journey.
There are repetition of thoughts that I didn’t like as how can everyone has the same thought.
Its hard to to know that bollywood industry got late in finding the worth of this actor. We people as audience must give chance to new actors as well by being open minded and not being judgemental. By not comparing them with the khans/roshans/kapoors. At some point of time we have to change our superstar as change is inevitable.
The book is basically a conversation among the author and different actors, directors and all the persons who were close to Irfan. It is not a biography though the author has mentioned some details about his career journey.
There are repetition of thoughts that I didn’t like as how can everyone has the same thought.
Its hard to to know that bollywood industry got late in finding the worth of this actor. We people as audience must give chance to new actors as well by being open minded and not being judgemental. By not comparing them with the khans/roshans/kapoors. At some point of time we have to change our superstar as change is inevitable.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews