The child actors in Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire were the ones who "did the trick" and "won the hearts of global audiences", says Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, who played a prominent role in the movie.
"We never doubted that Slumdog Millionaire would get the Oscars. The minute we stepped on to the red carpet at the Kodak theatre they were shouting our names. The mood was, how could you not give this film the Oscars?
"Our producers Fox-Searchlight were really anxious. They got the Best Film Oscar after 40 years. I think the kids in Slumdog Millionaire did the trick. They won over the global audiences' hearts. We grown-up actors were the bonus," Khan told IANS.
After the awards ceremony in Los Angeles, when Irrfan landed in Mumbai in the same flight as Oscar-winner Resul Pookutty, "we had no idea how many people were waiting for us until we were told it was difficult for us to step outside. We had to be whisked away in a police van," Irrfan recalled.
"I felt like the bridegroom at a baraat. It was so moving. The reception I got at the Mumbai airport was equal to any Oscar."
Irrfan has been selected by Forbes magazine as one of the six Bollywood faces that have made an impact in Hollywood.
{{/usCountry}}Irrfan has been selected by Forbes magazine as one of the six Bollywood faces that have made an impact in Hollywood.
{{/usCountry}}"That was news to me, a really pleasant one. I've waited long for this recognition. I became a recognisable name abroad after The Namesake. But I wish it had happened after Warrior. In the truest sense it changed my life. It came at a time when I was losing heart regarding the roles coming my way. I was thinking of changing profession. I was quite bored. I became an actor to explore my emotions and go beyond the mundane like Dilip Kumar and Naseruddin Shah did. I wanted to experience something magical. Warrior gave me that chance."