Best From the West: Irrfan Khan’s top international directors

When it comes to versatility and a natural flair for acting, Irrfan Khan is one of the top names that come to mind. The actor has received much appreciation from critics, contemporaries and the audience alike. Khan is also one of the few Indian actors who has made his presence felt internationally, with commendable roles in Hollywood and British films. We take a look at some of the finest international  directors that Irrfan Khan has worked with.

Ron Howard

Director Ron Howard (Extreme Right) with actor Tom Hanks (Centre) and Irrfan Khan at the “Inferno” red carpet and photo call at the Art Science Museum at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Ron Howard’s film Inferno starring Tom Hanks and Irrfan Khan is scheduled to release in October. It is based on Dan Brown’s novel ‘Inferno’ and is a sequel to The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. Khan will play Harry Sims, head of the Consortium, helping the character of Bertrand Zobrist in his mission.

Ang Lee

With Ang Lee (Centre) and Tabu

Ang Lee won the Academy Award for Best Director for his film Life of Pi that starred Irrfan Khan along with Tabu and Suraj Sharma. The story line revolves around an Indian named ‘Pi’ who narrates the tale of his life to a novelist where Pi tells him how at the young age of 16, he survives a ship wreck while his family dies. Irrfan plays the adult version of Pi.

Mira Nair

With Mira Nair (Right)

Mira is an Indian American filmmaker whose films are known to instantly strike a chord with the audience. Nair cast Irrfan Khan in her film The Namesake which was very well received by American film critics. Khan plays Ashoke Ganguli who along with his wife are first-generation immigrants from Bengal to the United States. The actor has admitted that it was one of the most difficult characters that he has played.

Danny Boyle

With Danny Boyle and the team of Slumdog Millionaire

Academy award-winning director Danny Boyle directed Slumdog Millionaire which was shot in India. The film featured several Indian actors including Irrfan Khan. Khan plays a police inspector in this loose adaptation of the novel Q & A.

Marc Webb

Irrfan Khan and Marc Webb

Director Marc Webb has confessed to being a fan of Irrfan Khan whom he worked with in The Amazing Spider Man. The actor played Dr. Rajit Ratha, a pivotal character who heads a bio-genetic corporation and is the baddie’s boss.