Irrfan Khan Bollywood’s new poster boy

By Subhash K. Jha -

October 6, 2015 - 10:22 AM IST

After 2015's surprise hit Piku, Irrfan Khan has found a new level of acceptance in mainstream Bollywood cinema. He will be seen in pivotal roles in two back-to-back releases. Last week was Meghna Gulzar Talvar and this week is Sanjay Gupta's Jazbaa.

Although Konkona Sen-Sharma and Neeraj Kabi also play the main characters in Talvar, it is Irrfan Khan whose face occupies the biggest space in the posters. And this is by designâ€¦.pun intended.

Irrfan Khan who until just a short while ago was considered a 'Hollywood/Off-Mainstream' actor in Bollywood is suddenly much in demand as a poster-boy in mainstream cinema.

In Talvar he takes center stage in all the hoardings and promotions.

"In fact, the film went to the Toronto International Film Festival and got noticed because Irrfan is a known face outside India. Now in India too he is being seen as the face of Talvar," says a source.

Sanjay Gupta's Jazbaa which opens next week is designed as Aishwaya Rai Bachchan's comeback vehicle. However Irrfan Khan gets equal prominence in the posters.

When I ask Irrfan about his sudden rise to the claim, a place as Bollywood's poster-boy, the actor brushes off the compliment and jokes, "It's just a marketing strategy that I fit into. And you haven't noticed? There is sharp talvar on the posters of Talvar as prominent as me."

Getting serious Irrfan Khan says, "If today producers think I can bring the audiences in, it's an honour for me, and a big responsibility. Today if my face is seen on the poster, audiences expect not only a good performance but also a good film. To the audience the performance only matters if the film appeals to them."