Good writing can pull audiences to theatres: Boman Irani

Actor Boman Irani believes that while writers are not given much importance in Bollywood, they are the ones who can actually lead the audiences into a theatre.

"In India, especially in our films, we don't respect the writers, not in the credit titles or anywhere else... we don't accept the size of their contribution.

We believe that a writer eventually does not lead the audience into a theatre, " the 52-year-old said here Tuesday at the launch of author Sanjay Chopra's book "Talespin".

"But I feel that if writing is good and effective then the audiences will definitely come to the theatres, " he added.

Meanwhile, when asked if he believes in his hit film "3 Idiots" philosophy of running after efficiency and not success in context of the Rs.100 crore-club, Boman said: "I believe in the thought of '3 Idiots' but it would be wrong to say 'running after Rs.100 crore' because '3 Idiots' also raked in Rs.300 crore... the fact of the matter is this."

"But if you forget the money equation and work towards excellence, then you will definitely earn even more that Rs.100 crore... '3 Idiots' is the greatest example of it, " he added.

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Movie Review: Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi is a cute rom-com

Star cast: Boman Irani, Farah Khan, Honey Irani, Shammi 

Producer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sunil A Lulla

Story Writer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Music Director: Jeet Ganguli

Director: Bela Bhansali Sehgal

Duration: 1 Hr 52 Mins

Rating : ** 1/2

In the era, where Bollywood is already exhibiting a sea change in the cinematographic trends. "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" is another add on to the Bollywood's bunch of offbeat entertainers, showcasing the fact that love has no boundaries.

This debut flick of choreographer turned actress, Farah Khan accompanied by seasoned actor Boman Irani opened at multiplexes with an occupancy of 25 %, comprising of the masses from nearly all the age groups. 

Synopsis:
"Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" is a cute love tale of middle aged bachelor and a spinster, destined to be bitten by the love-bug and their tryst with their courtship period accompanied by some sweet and sour moments.

"Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" somewhere resembles Late Hrishikesh Mukherjee's style of cinematography, where there use to be simple man with a golden heart who always manage to deal with his day to day problems without much ado or florid drama.
Story: 
Farhad (Boman Irani) is salesman working at a women undergarment shop with a dream of setting up his own business in the similar domain. Besides it he's a middle aged Parsi bachelor living with his overbearing mother Nargis ( Honey Irani) and grandma ( Shammi), who are desperate to get him married. But all their efforts of getting Farhad married goes to pot, because of Farhads profession. 

As the story proceeds amid the daily humdrum, Farhad has a rendezvous with a woman of his dreams Shirin Fugawala (Farah Khan), who drops by his store for shopping and there strikes the cupid.

Everything seemed to be heading towards the fair coast till the time Farhad introduces Shirin to his family, where the destiny had something else within its womb for the duo, for whom Farhad's mother turn into a rapscallion, on finding that Shirin is the same Parsi Trust Secretary, who got their illegal water tank demolished which use to be the last souvenir of Farhad's late father. As the story proceeds numerous cute and hilarious incidents emerge to take the story to its conclusion. 
Script:
After portraying his excellence in direction, with "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", "Devdas" and "Black". This time Bhansali once again stepped in to the shoes of writer, though his last scripted cine tale "Guzarish" could not fare well on the BO, but this time Sanjay has somehow managed to draft a decent love tale of two middle aged protagonists.

But one thing which can't be negated about the script is, that besides being a unique theme it could have been better with a slightly high dose of romance and sharp humor which is somewhere important to pull masses to the cine arenas.

As far as narration is concerned then a couple of sequences portrayed on the screen seemed to be forced ones. In nut shell, "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" could have done better with a with a slightly higher dose of comedy or well-written romantic sequences. 

Screenplay and Direction:
Another debutant who deserved to be patted for her commendable work is debuting director Bela Sehgal, who managed to handle this unique script knitted around the romance of two 45+ protagonists with a praiseworthy dexterity.

Though a few sequences in the movie seemed to be melodramatic but over all pace of the screenplay remains constant to offer a decent dose of entertainment. First half of the movie takes of at a soothing pace with a few unnecessarily knitted sequences but as the story proceeds it maintains a constant pace with no larger than life depictions or unnecessary melodrama.

On the other hand the humor quotient of the movie nowhere seems to be getting sarcastic, at the same time comedy punches never get too sharp to split you into laughter, but they are some what decent enough to bring a smile on the faces of the masses. 

And the best part pertaining to "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" is, that none of the components of the screenplay seems to be loitering out of proportions.
Dialogues:
Well as far as dialogues are concerned, then they somewhat lacked consistency because of the high savour-less coefficient. Though the Parsi dialect is very well carried by entire cast, but the bland dialogues and vacuous humor punches, somewhat impacted the entertainment quotient in adverse manner. 

Acting / Performances:
Well, as far as the performance is concerned, then Boman seemed to be at his best. In "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi", Boman is a delight, who once again proved his mettle by performing the character of a middle aged bachelor with a flawless dexterity. Infact it won't be wrong to say that Boman's performance was a sort of standout performance, which set him apart from rest of the cast of the movie. 

As far as Farah's performance is concerned then at a few places she seemed to be fumbling with the demand of the character, but over all she looked cute and succeeded in breaking away that first-timer shell which is usually seen clad around an established yet debuting celeb. 

Honey very well carried her Parsi Mom and very well supplemented the lovable grandma avatar of Shammi.
Music / Lyrics:
Quite in accordance with the theme and the potential of the movie, music of "SFKTP" is peppy and lovable, with songs like "Ramba Mein Samba" in the voice of legendary Usha Uthap, "KukduKu, Khatti Meethi" and soulful number "Kaafir Andhere" in the voice of KK. On the other hand, background score too gels up well with the onscreen substance. 

BO Potential:
Inspite of its being a laudable watch, it will be wrong to keep the expectation of any kind of BO miracles from "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi", because of its offbeat nature and the absence of adorable A-graders in it. The movie is expected to receive an average reception on BO, which in itself is an achievement for such tales based on the unique ideas. 
Verdict:
On the whole, "Shirin Farhaad Ki toh Nikal Padi" is a cute Rom-Com of veterans, which is worth a watch because it offers a decent amount of entertainment with a simple and unfussy premise.

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Farah calls Boman hand-shame!

Boman Irani became the butt of Farah Khan's quirky joke when she called him "hand-shame".

The on-screen couple from the film "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" was caught in a quirky mood during a radio interview for Oye 104.8 FM.

While Boman said he desires to do a photo shoot with Farah because technology now will make her look good, Farah was prompt to reply and said: "Yeah, even my passport photo is Photoshopped. By the way, Boman thinks he is 'handsome', but he is 'hand-shame!'."

Their film, which narrates the story of two 40-plus individuals in love, released today.

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Boman has the ability of checking out girls and telling which size exactly fits them

Farah and Boman engaged in a friendly flirtatious banter with us and kept interuppting each other. Excerpts...

Have you noticed any special quality in Boman during your shoot together?
Boman has the ability of checking out girls and telling which size exactly fits them.

(Boman butts in, `Since I'm a salesman, I need to know my job!)
If you were a matchmaker, which five people in the industry would you help get married?
I can't get my own brother married despite trying for so many years. I got married when I was 40. I will be the worst matchmaker possible. So I believe, if you are single and happy, don't ever get married.

So you could connect with the storyline of this film?
I was just happy that a script was written for two 40-year-old actors! It feels we have broken a glass ceiling. I'm making my debut at 47. I'm married with three kids, whereas today's heroines fizzle out by the time they reach 35.
How have your children reacted to their mother acting in a film?
My kids loved the promo, but my son doesn't like Boman. And when I wore skirts and fake nails during the shoot, he said, `Yeh momma nahi chahiye!`

(Boman quips, `What does that tell you? Even the kid has seen the spark between us!`).

(Farah wryly) Boman was trying hard to tell people that he and I were having an affair but no one believed him.

Did you allow the director in you to come out during the shoot?
Farah: I stayed a good girl...

(Boman interrupts, `All Farah did on the sets was say, 'Mera frontal lo, mujh pe light nahi hai.' It is no coincidence that all the three choreographers on the sets were her assistants. I am sure the day before the shoot, she had ordered them to focus more on her and to keep me in the backdrop. I think she even edited out my portions.`)
Which Bollywood actress would you sell lingerie to?
Riteish Deshmukh! Whenever we talk about doing something different in our stage show, he tells me I should dress up like a girl. And I tell the same to him too. We will both sell lingerie to each other. But, I will provide discounts to my Parsi customers! (laughs)

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Why do actors avoid media, wonders Boman

Actor Boman Irani says he fails to understand why celebrities hide from the media when their initial motive behind becoming an actor is to get famous.

"Actors work so hard to become famous and when they become famous, they run from the press, I don't understand that theory, " the 52-year-old said here Monday. He was paying a visit to the Don Bosco shelter.

Boman also targeted newcomers who start acting pricey after earning fame.

"First the newcomers are eager to come in front of the camera and later they are like 'no, sorry, sorry, no pictures'. What is this? I say fame is a very dangerous and bitter thing, " said Boman.

Last seen in "Ferrari Ki Sawaari", Boman is looking forward to his first romantic film "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi". He will be seen romancing Farah in the movie coming out Aug 24.

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Farah-Boman groove in filmy avatars

Actors Farah Khan and Boman Irani have got yet another surprise for their audiences.

Their brand new released song from Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi has the entertaining duo dancing on 'Ramba Mein Samba'.

It's a fast paced track with the vintage feel and the vocals are by the very popular Usha Uthup.

Shirin-Farhad will be seen dancing in many filmy avatars in this highly entertaining video.

Boman has done an exceptional job by matching steps with Farah, who's already a renowned choreographer.

The film is a story about Farhad Pastakiya (Boman), a 45-year-old Parsi bachelor working as a lingerie salesman, who falls in love with Shirin Fugawala (Farah), 40-year-old, bubbly, straightforward woman.

Produced by Eros International and Bhansali Productions and directed by Bela Sehgal Bhansali, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, releases worldwide on August 24.

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Overacting easy for Boman Irani

Actor Boman Irani reveals that dubbing for animation film "Delhi Safari" required a lot of exaggeration and he found it easy as as he is brilliant at "overacting".

"We had to act out everything that you see on screen and exaggerate it for animation. Whether it is our expressions or our body movement, or whether it is our physicality or punching each other or falling and tumbling, we did everything.

And overacting is something I can do very easily. So it wasn't very difficult for me but it was quite a learning experience for all of us," he said here Thursday at a press conference held for the movie.

The 52-year-old says acting is all about how convincingly you can lie.

"You have to believe that person (character you are playing) is you. Because acting is about lying, it's how well you lie, how truthfully you lie and how much of that lie is the audience accepting and how much of it do you believe in," said Boman.

"It's a noble lie at the end of the day. If you lie nobly, then you have done a good job," he added.

Directed by Nikhil Advani, 3D animation film "Delhi Safari" also has voiceovers by Govinda, Akshaye Khanna, Urmila Matondkar, Suniel Shetty and child artist Swini Khara.

The film is slated for an Oct 19 release.

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Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi soundtrack laced with romantic tones

Music Director: Jeet Ganguly

Lyricists: Amitabh Bhattacharya and Faraz Ali

Singers: KK, Shreya Ghosal, Neeraj Sridhar, Mohit Chauhan and Usha Uthup

Rating: ***

Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan steps into the world of acting with a not-so-usual romantic comedy "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi", which has six tracks exuding true blue romance.

The album starts off with a tender number "Ishq mein tere bina". It has an interesting sound full of guitar strums, making it a good composition. The melodious voices of Shreya Ghoshal and KK elevate your mood, as does its peppy beats. The lyrics are simple, but effective and marks a fine beginning to the album.

Moving on, the next is a beautiful romantic ballad "Khatti meethi". The piano tunes weave the magic in this one, and Shreya adds to that magic here. Also upping the ante of this melodic track are the Hinglish (Hindi- English) lyrics and an excellent chorus. 
The next on the playlist is "Kaafir andhere", which starts off with a bang thanks to the amazing guitar riffs. Then it is singer KK's show all the way. This powerful rock ballad is just perfect. It hits the bull's-eye in every department - tone, composition or its poignant words. This gloomy, yet expressive track grows on you and makes you play it on loop. It's definitely going to rise up in musical charts. 

Then comes the the title track "Shirin Farhad ki toh nikal padi". A racy and full of beats number, it has been crooned by Neeraj Sridhar. Although it doesn't qualify as a dance number, the song can definitely not be ignored. The high point of the song is the chorus that supports the vocalist quite well.

Following it is the soft and soothing "Kukuduku", which has an acoustic touch coupled with the sound of flute and bass beats. Singer Mohit Chauhan does a wonderful job like always, but the listeners get to hear his voice in a different avatar. It's not one of his typical romantic numbers. But this one is definitely one of the better tracks bundled in the soundtrack. 
Last but not the least is "Ramba mein samba". What a delight it is to listen to the vintage Usha Uthup! Full of electronic elements, this song will definitely allure you to put on your shoes for a bit of Samba.

Indian instruments like dhol and harmonium have been used here, but Uthup's powerful voice takes away the cake. Apart from her vocals, there is nothing too great about the composition of this track as it falls short of expectation after providing an initial high. 

The overall verdict of the album is a mixed bag of emotions. The soundtrack is definitely not a show stealer, but sample it for the variety of romantic flavours it offers.

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Boman Irani visits several lingerie stores

Actor visited underwear stores in south Mumbai to prep up for his role as a lingerie salesman

Many actors in Bollywood go an extra step to step into the shoes of their on screen characters. Boman Irani too, did some thing peculiar, to learn more about his role as a lingerie salesman in Bela Sehgal's upcoming film. Boman went knocking on the doors of several underwear stores in south Mumbai to learn the tricks of the trade.

During these visits, Boman observed how people behind the counter behave and treat their customers. In the meantime, he picked up some tips as well. There is no special manner to conduct oneself when you're selling undergarments.

Their behaviour was very matter-of-factly and they treat the undergarments like any other commodity. Contrary to what the misconception is, the hush-hush factor isn't there at all! But yes, I also noticed the way in which they were folding the items and putting them back into boxes and many such aspects of the service, the 52-year-old actor says.

Interestingly, before becoming an actor, Boman used to be a retailer and that experience came in handy too. He further adds, I used to sell wafers at Grant Road! Thanks to those days, I've got a great deal of experience in retailing. So I know how the business and attitude works... the routine of greeting customers, introducing them to your products and ultimately selling!

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Mother-in-law upset with Farah Khan

Director-turned-actress Farah Khan has revealed that her mother-in-law is a bit upset ever since she saw Boman Irani in a towel during the shoot of "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi".

"Shirish (Kunder), as usual, has not reacted at all. He has this deadpan reaction. But my mother-in-law was very excited that I was acting in a film. So she came to watch the shoot one day but unfortunately that day Boman was shooting the semi-nude scene," the 47-year-old said in an interview.

"She thought that my bahu (Farah) is working in the film, must be a homely picture. But Boman was sitting there in a towel. She has not spoken to me since then and I have you (Boman) to thank you for that," she added.

Meanwhile, when asked if she ever took any acting tips from brother Sajid Khan, Farah said: "He had done one film, I don't know if you remember, Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate. After that film, no. But yes, he has a sense of humour."

"Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" is slated for an Aug 24 release.

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Why does Boman feel lunatic?

Actor Boman Irani feels "lunatic" being on a promotional spree for his forthcoming film "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi".

"We have been promoting the movie like lunatics... now if you all confirm once and for all, we can tell the producers to spare us the trouble," tweeted Boman.

Boman and his co-star Farah Khan have been making media appearances, attending events as well as shooting for special episodes of reality shows to generate buzz for the movie, releasing Aug 24.

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I'm not comfortable with romantic scenes: Boman Irani

He can play the funny man, the bad man, but not the lover boy, says actor Boman Irani, who admits he was a tad uncomfortable performing a romantic role opposite Farah Khan in "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi".

However, he says his discomfort worked in his favour in the movie.

"I am not really comfortable with romantic scenes. But it worked for the character. It is good that I am uncomfortable because the character is also uncomfortable (in the film), " Boman said here.

"Had the character been comfortable, then may be I would have (had to) practice more with Farah, " he added.

"Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" is a love story of a man and woman over 40. Choreographer-turned-director Farah is making her acting debut with the movie, but she agreed only after a kissing scene involving her and Boman was taken out of the script.

Boman says love has been approached in a clumsy manner in the film.

"It is easier to fall in love with Farah than with some young people. Falling in love is clumsy. The approach of love (in the film) is even more immature than a teenager because they don't know how people approach (each other) at the age of 45, " he said.

"Though we are mature but even catching or holding the hand is done in a very clumsy manner. If they do it maturely, then it might get boring, " he added.

Boman says he knew the audience would be surprised to see him in a mature love story, but he stresses that he was also aware that it would be an honest attempt.

"When we started reading the film, at least we thought it will be a sincere, honest and fresh film. We don't know about the market, but the intention should be of making a good movie, " he added.

Directed by Bela Sehgal, "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" will release Aug 24.

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Farah Khan got her kiss scene removed

Choreographer-turned-director turned actress Farah Khan agreed to make her acting debut with "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" only once its makers agreed to remove a kissing scene from the script.

The movie, directed by Bela Sehgal, narrates the story of two 40-plus lovers. The kissing scene would have involved Farah and actor Boman Irani. But neither was Farah comfortable, nor did she think it was important. 

"It was in the script, but when I saw the script, I asked them to remove it or else I (told them I) can't do it. Afterwards, I didn't want to have argument on the sets. So they removed it and it was not important, " Farah said here.
Since Farah is a film director too, how does she tackle her actresses when they refuse any particular scenes?

"Either you say 'It is very important for my movie, so you have to wear these clothes for me and if you can't wear it, darling, I will take someone else.' Or say 'It is not important, I want you only and get it removed.' It is better to be open rather than getting negative energy on the sets later, " said the 47-year-old.

"Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" will release Aug 24.

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Shirin-Farhad on a Bollywood tour

Posters of Hindi film Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi have travelled from Hum Aap Ke Hai Kaun to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai with lead actors Boman Irani and Farah Khan coming up with spoofs on the superhit movies.

The first poster of the movie is a replica of the Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit starrer ‘Hum App Ke Hai Kaun’ followed by the next poster that was a reflection of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’.

"The posters are an imitation of popular romantic movies and have the Shirin and Farhad touch. The look of the third poster is still under covers and is to be unveiled very soon, " said an official spokesperson.

According to insiders, the third poster will be a spoof on Shah Rukh-Kajol's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.

Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi is a movie directed by Bela Sehgal. It is her directorial debut with Bhansali Productions.

Set against a Parsi background Shirin and Farhad are two individuals in their forties who fall in love with each other and wish to get married.

The journey to the wedding is a series of fortunate as well as unfortunate events.

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First Look: Boman, Farah dress up as SRK-Kajol from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

The poster of Boman Irani and Farah Khan's upcoming film was unveiled by Karan Johar 

It has both of them strike a same pose similar to what Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan did in Kucch Kucch Hota Hai. Interestingly, KKHH was Karan’s directorial debut and this film is Farah’s first film as an actress.

Says Farah, “Karan is a dear friend and was just a phone call away. He found the concept really funny and interesting so took out time to come and unveil the second teaser poster.” 

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Boman Irani changing with the times

Boman Irani has played a Parsi in a couple of films. But when we asked him about the lack of Parsis in Indian cricket team, the actor told BS, "We are a dwindling number and it pretty much reflects on our national team too."

He shed light on the fact that Parsis continue to prosper in other fields. “There was a time when Parsis constituted more than half of the cricket team.

In a similar way, there was an era when our team had most guys from Bombay and then there was a phase when Karnataka players were dominating. Times change, you see, ” he concludes.

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Bollywood not a man's world

In 11 years of his association with Bollywood, Boman Irani has worked with five female directors - and he loves the fact that the industry is no longer just "a man's world".

"Shooting song for 'Shirin Farhad' with Farah Khan (actor), Geeta Kapur (choreographer), Bela Sehgal (director). Happy to note, it's not a man's world," tweeted Boman.

"Just thought of it; done five movies with lady directors," added the 52-year-old.

He has worked with female directors like Farah Khan in "Main Hoon Na", Sooni Taraporevala in "Little Zizou", Reema Kagti in "Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.", and "Shirin Farhan Ki Toh Nikal Padi" by Sehgal.

"..and how can I forget, the greatest director of all... who films every frame of my life....my wife Zenobia," Boman wrote on a lighter note.

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What is wrong in being a lingerie salesman? Don't you wear an underwear?

Bela Sehgal explains why Boman Irani makes the perfect underwear salesman 


Boman Irani is playing an undergarment salesman in his next co-starring Farah Khan. And director Bela Sehgal feels there is no reason to cringe at the thought of that. 

In fact, she even points out that most people who assist at lingerie stores are in fact men! She states, “What is wrong in being a lingerie salesman? Don’t you wear an underwear or don’t I wear one?” 


She goes on to say, “Our research showed that more male designers create lingerie and bikini for women. It requires a lot of hard work; it is an art to understand the cuts and the structure of the female body.”

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Farah, Boman are 'kadak' cracker: Bela Sehgal

"Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" director Bela Sehgal says while no one thought of bringing Farah Khan and Boman Irani together on screen, she felt they would share a crackling chemistry.

"Nobody would have thought of Boman and Farah together as a couple. When I thought of both of them, I felt it would be a 'kadak' cracker," said Sehgal.

"Now when I will release my film with other big films, people will turn around and say 'Farah and Boman?'... It's a unique couple, why not?" she added.

The movie is set to release Aug 24.

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'I hold record of 22 films with new directors'

Boman Irani worked in Rajkumar Hirani's first film "Munnabhai M.B.B.S" and recently teamed with Rajesh Mapuskar for his debut vehicle "Ferrari Ki Sawaari". The talented actor, known for his comic roles, says he has never hesitated to work with newcomers in his decade-long career.

"I hold a record. I have done 22 films with new directors. There are a lot more young directors out there. I cannot be accused of working with only the big guns," Boman told.

Praising Mapuskar, he said: "For a first time director, this is an exceptional film. The guy is pressing the right button and giving you the right space and that is direction. Above all, he is a wonderful director and a good human being."

With over 60 films to his credit, Boman feels comfortable in his space and doesn't get cold feet before the release of his films.

"I think I am too old to get nervous now. I get more excited like a child. What's done is done. You can do nothing about it now," he said.

He successfully played an agitated professor in "Munnabhai MBBS" and an over-confident science professor in "3 Idiots". The success of the films has raised fans' expectations from him, but the 52-year-old has no plans to set any milestone for himself.

"We did not do 'Munnabhai' or '3 Idiots' keeping milestones in my mind. What people expect and believe is their birth right," he said.

The actor says that "Ferrari Ki Sawaari" has drained him emotionally.

"For, me like anyone else, I do not wish to get misunderstood in my endeavour. The film has taken a lot out of me. It was the emotionality in the film that drained me completely," Boman said.

After "Ferrari Ki Sawaari", Boman will be seen romancing Farah Khan in "Shirin Farad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" when it hits theatres Aug 24.

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