/> The screening of Michael Winterbottom's A Mighty Heart was a mighty emotional experience for its principal male lead.

"The applause went on for ten minutes after the film ended. I was watching it for the first time...witn Angelina and Brad Pitt who are friends from the time we shot in India together.

But the real character Mariane Pearl on whose life A Mighty Heart is based was also in Cannes with her son. They didn't watch it with us. But they've of course seen the film and love it."

Apparently the real Mrs Pearl loved Irrfan's performance.

"Everyone has been deeply appreciative," says Irrfan on Wednesday afternoon from Cannes.

Irrfan finally wore Armani on the red carpet. "The walk on the red carpet with Angelina Jolie and Brad was memorable because we were representing a film that has tried to tell the truth about what happened to Daniel Pearl. We weren't there for a glamour parade."

Irffan has so far run into George Clooney and Andy Garcia who are in Cannes for Ocean 13. He also met Ethan Coen.

"This is the first time for one of my films in Cannes. And I feel elated. The glamour, creativity, the photo shoots and the press conferences are all so unreal and yet part of the cinematic reality. With The Namesake and A Mighty Heart I'm being recognized over here at Cannes. I hope it lasts," Irrfan has his fingers crossed.