In filmmaking, there have been two specific camps – Mira Nair and Deepa Mehta. Irrfan Khan, who has been described as a “Mira Nair groupie” (The Namesake and The Kosher Vegetarian) will soon be working with Deepa Mehta in an upcoming film, Midnight’s Children.
Deepa’s offer to Irrfan came about the same time that Mira suggested he play the lead in another project, The Reluctant Fundamentalist. However, reports say that this has fallen through.
Speaking about Mira’s offer, Irrfan says, “While shooting with me she did bring it up. But that’s it. After that there has been no word from her on it. I hold no grudges about it. What Mira has given me in The Namesake and The Kosher Vegetarian is incredible. I enjoyed myself thoroughly doing these two films and I’m sure we’ll work together some other time.”
Deciding which script to choose, Irran has agreed to Deepa’s project. Both films, Midnight’s Children and The Reluctant Fundamentalist are both based on literacy works and will go on the floors at around the same time.
“Deepa has given me the script and I’ll read it as soon as my first schedule for Sudhir Mishra’s Homecoming is over,” says Irrfan.
Speaking about the casting of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Mira says, “Its early days yet. I don’t have an idea yet. I start casting in Pakistan first and then make my way to India.”
