Celebrating the birth anniversary of the deeply missed actor Irrfan Khan in the year 2024 brings to light cherished memories and invaluable lessons learned under his tutelage. The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa in 2023, served as a sentimental platform where Malayalam film actor Parvathy Thiruvothu elaborated on her experiences working with the late actor on the set of ‘Qarib Qarib Singlle’, which marked her entry into Hindi cinema.
The film ‘Qarib Qarib Singlle’, a romantic comedy that hit the screens in 2017, featured the unique and refreshing pair of Irrfan Khan and Parvathy. It explored the dynamics of modern online dating, bringing forth a relatable yet novel storyline. The movie holds a special place in the hearts of the audiences, not just for its narrative but also for the performances that brought these characters to life.
At the festival, Parvathy remembered Irrfan Khan’s profound advice to her as she set foot in Hindi films. She was quoted saying, “I will always remember his one advice that he gave me … and I repeat this everywhere. He always told me ‘lines ko makhan bana do’.” This phrase, which translates to ‘make the lines buttery’, encapsulates the essence of what it takes to deliver lines with natural fluidity, emphasizing the importance of rigorous preparation to achieve effortless grace in acting.
Tanuja Chandra, the director of ‘Qarib Qarib Singlle’, crafted a film that depicted how two contrasting personalities come closer through their journey, reflecting the bittersweet idiosyncrasies of modern relationships. The film’s reception praised the chemistry between the leads and the organic blend of humor and romance.
Parvathy’s appearance at the festival was also to represent her venture into the digital space with the web series ‘Dhootha’. The show, which had her starring alongside Prachi Desai, Naga Chaitanya, and Priya Bhavani Shanker, delves into the genre of supernatural suspense-thriller. Directed by Vikram K. Kumar and produced by Sharrath Marar under NorthStar Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., ‘Dhootha’ promised a foray into uncharted territory for Parvathy. The character of Sagar, portrayed by Naga Chaitanya, unravels as a committed journalist who unwittingly enters a web of supernatural events tied to a series of mysterious deaths that cast a shadow over his own life.
Gushing about her role and decision to participate in the Telugu original series, Parvathy said, “I am a fan of suspenseful thrillers, but Dhootha was more of the script choosing me than me choosing it. I was curious and excited to do something so unique. Vikram’s approach to not just the story but every individual character makes it extremely enticing for any actor to be a part of the project.” Taking 17 years from the start of her acting career to venture into Telugu entertainment, Parvathy found a project that was worth the wait, as she embarked on this new journey with ‘Dhootha’, which has been available for streaming on Prime Video.
As the memories of Irrfan Khan remain in the hearts of cinema aficionados, the teachings he imparted continue to resonate with actors like Parvathy Thiruvothu. His legacy in the film fraternity is celebrated with the revering of his craft and the wisdom he shared. Parvathy’s anecdotes and her leap into new cinematic spaces illustrate the evolving narrative of Indian cinema, both in content and in the actors’ relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.
Remembering Irrfan Khan on his birth anniversary through interactions with those he impacted forms a narrative that extends beyond his filmography, as it cements his position as a luminary who continues to guide and influence the craft of acting, long after having taken his final bow.
