When you watch Irrfan Khan on screen, you admire how he finds this extraordinary quality in the roles of everyday ordinary men. And when you listen to him talk about it you realize that it wasn’t a happy accident, the actor had a deeply held philosophy that drove him to create characters that were special in their own way despite being a face in the crowd.

It will soon be a year since the actor passed away, leaving legions of his fans heartbroken. Irrfan’s filmography is proof of his expertise in his craft, but listen to him and you realize the thought that led to him making him the man and actor he was.

Speaking to Indian Express, the actor explained why it was important for him to create an on-screen image that wasn’t larger than life. “When I started out in movies, I observed that there was kind of a disparity that occurs when you watch a movie, and you start to feel that the creatures on the screen are special and that you (the viewer) are a creature of inferior quality, ”Irrfan said adding that for him the most important thing was to“ communicate that whatever I do, I am not special, it is possible for you (the viewer). Only then is it worth it to be an actor.

He said he found it “ugly” that audiences felt inferior to the picture on the big screen. In fact, he said he “would rather leave the theater” than glorify the character on screen. “There’s something ugly about creating this disparity that reinforces the idea that I (the actor) am something special. It is not my taste. I’d rather leave the theater, ”said the late actor in an interview which was conducted while promoting his film, Qarib Qarib Singlle.

Irrfan also explained why actors shouldn’t be seen as heroes or be “wannabes” in any way. “I could see people found them (actors) heroes. They are not heroes, ”Irrfan said.

“Television has changed things for our society. People started to watch movies in different ways; as if becoming a star was a career in itself. But slowly I could see that people found them (actors) heroes. They are not heroes. They are glamorous people. Athletes, for example, play sports and they should be valued and mattered, but society should not aspire to be that. It’s a shortcut. There are real heroes who affect people’s lives. They selflessly work just to change people’s lives. They are heroes. For a healthy society, at least, aspirations must be pointed in the right direction, ”said Irrfan.

In the same interview, the actor also discussed how staying connected to anything materialistic is “very limiting” for him.

“Life is so fleeting that to freeze something and depend on it, I find that very limiting. I would rather connect with the transient nature of life and be okay with it. I realized that the most beautiful thing that can happen is to live with uncertainty, “said Irrfan, adding:” I hate to take myself seriously because you are here (now) but you will not be there in 30 years. -40 years or maybe 5 years. So what will be left? So, I’m easier on myself after being connected with uncertainty. If there is God, let him come. I will go get him. I’m not in a hurry.”

Irrfan Khan passed away on April 29, 2020.