/> As far as making a name in international cinema is concerned Irrfan Khan seems to have a decided edge over Anil Kapoor. While AK's role in Mission Impossible 4 turned out to be a bit of a damp squib, we learn from very reliable sources that Irrfan Khan's turn as a villain in the new Spiderman franchise is not just prominent but pivotal, occupying a sizeable part of the footage.

Even before this vital piece of information on Indian acting talent going global sinks in, comes the news that Irrfan has been summoned urgently by director Ang Lee for extra work in the screen adaptation of Yann Martel's novel Life Of Pi.

Irrfan's portion of the shooting was presumably done a few months ago. This sudden invitation to be more participative is a pleasant surprise for the actor and yet also a big burden on his schedules.

Sounding both disarmed and dismayed Irrfan says, "It's true I've to go to New York and Los Angeles for Ang Lee's film, not just once or twice but several times over and above the shooting dates I had allotted to the project. This means I'm not able to give time to promote my new film Paan Singh Tomar which is very very dear to me.I just have time to steal one or two days from my schedule. And that's a pity because Paan Singh is a film that requires tremendous nurturing."

About the extended dates needed for Life Of Pi Irrfan says, "I am really not allowed to speak about it. Let me just say my participation is required far longer and for much more time than I had thought. I've been in and out of NY and LA and that will continue for a while."

As for his role in the new Spiderman film(The Amazing Spiderman) Irrfan says, "I've shot extensively for it.But no one can predict how the role would finally come out. When I had shot for Mira Nair's The Namesake I didn't think I had much of a role. But finally I was surprised to see how much of me was there. But yes, as of now,,mine is not a small role in Spiderman."

The actor would now have to be in the US for the promotion of The Amazing Spiderman, again at the expense of his pet project.

Laments Irrfan, "Ideally I'd like to devote at least a couple of months to promoting Paan Singh Tomar. I don't think I've come away from any film so enriched and so much more aware of the pain and struggle that many of us have to go through to achieve our dreams. Here was this successful athlete and decent farmer. Why was he compelled to become an outlaw? I was deeply intrigued by the whole idea of a man's destiny and where it can take the individual.Sometimes it's just not enough to leave your life to destiny.Sometimes destiny is what we do with the opportunities that come our way."