Even though this film of Fardeen Khan, who debuted in the film industry with the film ‘Prem Agan‘, was not successful, he not only got the Best Actor Debut Award for this film, but his career progressed through this film. Fardeen, who played the role of Wali Mohammad in Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s web series ‘Hiramandi‘, is in the news these days. Here are the highlights of the reporter’s conversation with Fardeen Khan–
Questions asked to Fardeen
What would you like to say about your comeback in the industry?
I am extremely thankful to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for casting me in this beautiful project of his ‘Larger than Life’. If I say that for the last 14 years I was waiting for my comeback to be with a big maker and a big project. This dream of mine came true today through ‘Hiramandi’ web show. We all know that when we work, our face is not only in front of the audience but also in front of the industry. If you are not working then the industry retires you in hushed tones. My gap of 14 years had been quite long, so my comeback was not so easy.
Did you contact Bhansali?
I had contacted him long ago. After all, who wouldn’t want to work with him? At that time he was busy shooting for the film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi‘ and the casting of the film had been done. They told me that they would explore possibilities for me in the near future. His saying this filled me with a wave of happiness. When the project of ‘Hiramandi’ for Netflix came to him, he talked to me for the character of ‘Wali Mohammad’. What mattered more than the character was that I would work with him. Bhansali’s level is very different and the way he makes his actors perform is very magical.
Is it true that Bhansali once told you that he did not see ‘fire’ in your eyes?
A few years ago I contacted him at his office in Juhu. I was lucky that he agreed to meet. After 20-25 minutes of our meeting, when he dropped me at the door, he said to me, ‘Fardeen, I don’t see the sparkle in your eyes that I often desire from my artists.’ I try to make sure you find that sparkle in my eyes.
I have heard that Bhansali is very tough, what was your personal experience?
For him, every shot, every take must be the best. If the work is even an inch below their standard, they will not waste it. In my opinion, every artist is used to doing his work as per his level, hence it would be wrong to call him strict. When they go into the work zone, they completely become the story and the character. I have never seen a person as happy as him when it’s a break. However, making them happy is not that easy.
How much scope did your character get in this story of courtesans?
‘Hiramandi’ has been streamed on Netflix. No one can say that there are only actresses in this story of 8 episodes. All the male characters matter too. The character of Wali Mohammed is perfect at the stage of age I am at this time. It is obvious that I will not be able to play the role of a hero aged 25-30. Such a character would be suitable for me, which defines the character along with my age. If Bhansali had told me that Fardeen, you just remain present on the set holding the clap board, I would have accepted that too. I kept feeling like a newcomer. Even if late, this dream of mine was fulfilled.
Did Bhansali approach you for the film ‘Black’?
This is a rumour. If such an offer had come, would I have refused it? Impossible. The film ‘Black’ is his most iconic film and will always remain so. This film was immortalized by Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee.
Will you continue working in films?
This is the intention. I have signed another project. See what kind of characters I get offered next.
