'Patiala House' star Armaan Kirmani

Armaan Kirmani is the Cambridge graduate who swapped a career in law for a part in a major Bollywood film. Here are some questions and answers from the British actor and to find out first hand his experience of playing bhai to Akshay, the most important lesson Anupam Kher taught him, and why he feels Chandni Chowk to China is Nikhil's best work.

Q: How did you become a part of Patiala House?

A: Via the Casting ... Arrey Yaar, We are Professionals... and a professional actors journey to a film always begins through an Audition. Nikhil came to cast Patiala House in London because he wanted to add authenticity to his characters by casting British Asian actors. For an actor to become a part of any project, there are elements of luck, hard work, preparation and talent and if you can have all of those elements then you don't need to worry about the casting couch ha!

Q: Which member of the Patiala House family do you play?

A: Jaskaran (Jassi) - The eldest brother in the younger generation in Patiala House after Gattu.

Q: Had you seen all of Nikhil's earlier work?

A: Yes, of course. He was always one of my favourite Directors even before I made the decision to become an actor.

Q: Can you rank his previous films in order from best to worst?

A: Chandni Chowk to China, Salaam-E-Ishq then Kal Ho Na Ho - surprised? Whether or not these films received critical acclaim or box office hits is not my concern. For me, you saw the growth in Nikhil as a Director from each film that he did. Kal Ho Na Ho (although one of my personal favourites as a fan) was an easier 'hit' - it had the Dharma Productions gloss, it had a Karan Johar script and of course the SRK factor in an era where whatever he touched turned to gold. Salaam-E-Ishq and CC2C were Nikhil's attempts to diversify and we should celebrate that, who else would have had the courage to shoot a Bollywood film on such a grand scale in China and make the first ever Kung Fu Comedy that Hindi Cinema has ever seen? For me, Patiala House would not have happened had Chandni Chowk to China not happened - so I guess we learn more from criticism than we do from success. I admit that CC2C may not have been everyone's cup of tea, but there are plenty of people out there who did not like KHNH either. However, Patiala House is Nikhil's best work. Promise.

Q: What did you learn from the filmmaking process?

A: I could not possibly tell you all my secrets but one thing I will share is that learning the craft of film acting is one of the most difficult things in the world. 'Anyone can act' as my acting teacher Anupam Kher would say (his premise being that when we lie we actually act and we all lie!) but not everyone can be a good actor. I have had the privilege to make my debut with such experienced actors and legends of the Hindi Film Industry and I can honestly say that becoming a 'Good Actor' will take more hard work than my Cambridge Law Degree! However, I have already accepted the challenge and I am enjoying it.

Q: Which scene of yours should we watch out for?

A: It's my debut, so you have to watch all of my scenes!

Q: How is to play Akshay Kumar's brother?

A: Patiala House is not a stereotypical film, despite having all the traditional ingredients and that is what makes Patiala House so special. But, I would say dancing to Laung Da Lashkara with Akshay was a dream come true, because I used to dance in front of the mirror to Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast with the full get up bandana and sunglasses etc in front of my sisters mirror at the age of 8. Anyone that knows Armaan Kirmani knows that he is as filmy as they come, so the transition from real life to reel life was not too difficult at all! The experience of working on Patiala House has made me realise that being an actor is what I was brought onto this planet for. I was born to act.

Q: What are your expectations for the box office performance?

A: To me, box office is not important and not a measure of success. But, I hope for those who have a monetary incentive in this film that the film breaks all records. It has all the necessary ingredients. A great Star Cast (an even greater supporting cast!), A Great story, a Great director, reputed international cricketers and in my opinion one of the best soundtracks you are ever likely to hear by Shankar Ehsan Loy. I must also squeeze in my love for the song Kyun Main Jagoon - Shafqat Amanat Ali's voice combined with SEL's music and Anvita Dutt's lyrics - Simply out of this world.

Q: Are you Bollywood bound after this?

A: I will go wherever my work takes me as I have a western upbringing (having been born and brought up in London) and an eastern heritage. My heart will always be with Hindi Cinema, but I am young and I must grow as an actor and not restrict myself to any particular industry or genre, if I am to improve.

Source: bollywoodspice













Armaan Kirmani