DesiDabba - Boss, Thoda Sa Roomani Ho Jaye

Irrfan Khan the actor, who in every one of his performances makes sure that his intensity is in right measures, follows a lifestyle of right equilibrium as well. His idea of style as he puts it “is a personality signature…every one more or less has it. But some stand out in making their signature.” His idea of living is not that of a hermit, no, no Mr. India type answers from him. He is very much the man of the world, “For me fine things are material… like fine music fine films. My money goes in buying clothes, DVDs and books.”

He is quick to add though that money is not all that important. Money can buy stylists but not style. His take on life is simple and functional,” we are not to live forever, life is short. Do everything that makes you happy. Don’t be bogged down by mundane stuff, work after all is the cross you have to carry. Be happy while doing that too.”

This unconventional looking actor is the latest to acquire the tag of sex symbol. Women of all ages are drooling over him; his brooding eyes ably capture the intensity of the roles that he chooses. All this while he successfully balances his physical being and his mental compose by indulging in what he loves most tennis, cricket and swimming.

He is unconventional in more ways than one— he is married and has children, who by the way are his most valued stress busters. Alessandro Baricco, Garcia Marquez, Milan Kundera, Stanislaw lem, Jason Starr are his favourite authors. He reads! Again a sign that sets him apart from the run of the mill actors who can only concentrate on their looks and find reading too much of work. “Brando, Pachino, George Cloony, Brad Pitt, Jeff Goldblum have affected me internally”. These Hollywood greats are the ones to have influenced the actor who was termed as irreplaceable by Vishal Bharadwaj, who directed him in the world wide acclaimed film Maqbool.

Indulging in food is not merely an act of survival rather it is more of a passion, an expression of living. For Irrfan the most memorable Food that he had was at Nubo (Robert de Nero’s restaurant in New York). In India, he relishes the variety of food that the different states have to offer. But he likes to eat south Indian food in south India and pav bhaji in Maharashtra. “I cannot enjoy South Indian food in a restaurant in Rajasthan.” Internationally, he likes Japanese and Mediterranean cuisines. He loves food though he is not a restaurant freak rather likes home cooked food. He does cook but only on popular demand.

His demands are simple for a comfortable and satisfying living. “Huge bathroom and no building to obstruct the view from the window that’s home. An updated home theatre adds to the list of making home heaven.”

Being an actor, belonging to the glamorous world of Bollywood shopping is an occupational hazard. “Shopping on a spree” is his answer to the shopping woes, shopping in New York is something he loves to do. “Going on long drives out of the city when it rains” rejuvenates him. An ideal vacation spot? He replies, “It should give you a high should rejuvenate you to come back, definitely has a sense of adventure mental and physical.” Travelling light as a feather adds to the joy of travelling for him. The mystery that surrounds his persona extends to his answer when it comes to divulging his favorite vacationing place. “I won’t divulge because I don’t want it to turn it into a touristy thing it’s a secret hideout where very few people go and it’s in apna swadesh…in the north….”

Talk about style blunders and he quips, “I am not a fashion fanatic who follows a style bible… so nothing blasphemous has happened as far as I am concerned but as for the world I am sure to be making hazards.” His style mantras and fundas are in place. “I want a lifestyle of respect… of luxury without guilt which means people around me should be happy and I should be able to enjoy my work.” So has he reached where he always wanted be? Almost, almost… the path is right but the dream is yet to be fulfilled… But there is sunshine if not spring… and as far as my lifestyle is concerned it won’t change much…”

His parting shot – “Happiness is a state of mind. No hard and fast rules apply, it all starts from within and then expands outside feel satisfied and do whatever with passion… life starts looking different And that’s lifestyle… live life in your own terms…”