Stardom is good only to sell tickets: Boman Irani

The actor says that he often has to play same role in different films, but he makes sure that they are poles apart.

Boman Irani has been part of Bollywood for over 15 years, playing an array of roles. And rather than calling himself a character actor, he prefers to think of himself as an actor who does character roles. He says, “Let people slot you in any category; it doesn’t bother me. In your own head, you know you are playing different characters.”

Boman Irani says his relationship with Rajkumar Hirani won’t get affected by his decision to do the film or not. (Twitter)

The actor says that he often has to play same role in different films, but he makes sure that they are poles apart. “For example, in Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006) and Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), both characters are estate agents and Punjabi. Then, in Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) and 3 Idiots (2009), both are principals and have daughters who are in love with men they despise. I make a concentrated effort to play them differently,” he says.

Read: I will do anything to be with Rajkumar Hirani, says Boman Irani

Over the years, Boman has garnered a fan following that includes six-year-olds and even 60-years-olds. He believes that this stardom is the by-product of his acting, and says, “I came here to be an actor. If I’d have come to become a star, I’d be a lesser actor, as your focus and drive is different. Stardom is good only to sell tickets.”

Read: I miss Sajid Khan: Boman Irani on Housefull 3

He, however, does enjoy the appreciation he gets from his fans, and credits his family for keeping him grounded. “It is difficult for people to come up to you. especially old people. So, it is a great honour. But I’m not put on pedestal in the house; I get no special treatment at home,” says Irani.

Follow @htshowbiz for more.