Prolific filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia, whose latest film Milan Talkies was released on March 15, says he is all set to collaborate again with his favourite actor Irrfan Khan.
Talking about Irrfan’s health who was diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine tumour last year, Tigmanshu says, “Irrfan is back in Mumbai. He has responded well to the treatment. And he doesn’t need to be in London for medical attention any longer. He can continue his medication at home in Mumbai.”
Tigmanshu, who is a close friend of Irrfan, says he is looking much better. “When Irrfan had left for the treatment, he looked really unwell. During his treatment in London, he had lost a lot of weight and looked alarmingly thin. But now he has regained some of the weight and is looking really good.”
Speaking of losing weight, Tigmanshu has also lost 15 kg to look compatible on screen with Irrfan for a film in which they were supposed to play friends for life.
Recalling that aborted project, Tigmanshu says, “It was the story of two friends played by Irrfan and me. I had titled the film Yaara. It was a desi adaptation of the French film Les Lyonnais (A Gang Story). It was a story of their journey from 1955 to 2010. I relocated the plot and the characters to Uttarakhand where I come from. They had to look compatible and convincing as friends. I lost close to 15 kgs for the role. But we didn’t get to work together in that project. Lekin issi bahaane maina apna wazan ghata liya.”
The director says he is all set to collaborate with Irrfan on another project as soon the actor resumes shooting. “We’ve worked together on two of my favourite films Haasil and Paan Singh Tomar. I am now going to be directing him in another film.”
So what will three movie be about? “All I can say is that it’s a real-life story. Irrfan and I have been discussing it from before he fell ill. Now that he’s well on the road to recovery, I will announce the details soon. It is based on a book that has recently come out.”
We can hardly wait.
