Choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan will be making her acting debut in romantic comedy Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi opposite Boman Irani. Sreya Basu in conversation with the duo at the first look launch of the film in Mumbai as they were busy pulling each other's legs

You are making your debut as a heroine at 47 in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi. Were you apprehensive about the move?
Farah: I didn't want to take such a big leap but as Boman was there with me in the lead, it became easier.

Farah, you are playing a Parsi in the film. How did you prepare for the role?
Farah: I went out and met a lot of Parsis...in fact, I met a lot of Bomans because he is so much fun and a true Parsi.

While you were acting, did the director in you use to pop up at times?
Farah: I thought I was only being an actress and throwing tantrums and telling Bela I won't do this and that. On a serious note, no I didn't butt in. I think as much as I am a control-freak, I gave complete control to Bela and Sanjay because it was their work that I decided to take such a brave leap.

We would keep improvising and ask Bela (Bhansali Sehgal, director) if we could do this and wear that. Other than that I was being an actress and used to play games in-between shots in Boman's make-up van and we were only playing games. We are only good friends.

There is a scene where Boman is trying to sell lingerie to Farah. So what happened after the shoot?
Boman: After that scene, she (Farah) took me in the van and said: ‘Look Boman, now whenever I go for you-know-what kind of shopping, you need to come and help me out'; since I [am] an expert on it now.

Farah: What rubbish!



There is also a towel scene in the film...
Farah: You know, Boman has done a nude scene in the film. So please come and watch.

Boman: Actually on the set it was a full nude scene. But because of Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) and Bela's mom was there on the set...

Farah: (Interrupts) ...And my children and my mother-in-law decided to come to shoot that day; Boman was there sitting in a little towel.

So Farah must have enjoyed the scene as it is typical of Sanjay Bhansali film; Ranbir Kapoor also did one in Saawariya.
Farah: I agree. But why did they give me Boman in towel, mujhe Ranbir de dete.

You have a kissing scene in the film. How was it?
Boman: First she (Farah) would say ‘I don't want to do a kissing scene'. Then she would come to my van and say, ‘I think Bela wants us to do the kissing scene. So let's rehearse'. And we used to rehearse the kissing scene for an hour, an hour-and-a-half, and get tired.

Everybody knows when you rehearse your dialogues, your mouth gets hurt. Our mouths also hurt a lot and then she used to go back to the sets and say, ‘No, no Bela, I don't want to do the kissing scene'.

With kissing scenes, towel sequences and the hero as bra and panty salesman, can we call this film Boman and Farah's ‘Dirty Picture'?
Boman: You are absolutely right.



Who dominated the sets – Boman or Farah?
Boman: I have 27 years of playing a Parsi at home, which means, only women do the talking.

Farah, what would you like to take home from the sets every day?
Farah: Boman.

Boman: (Simultaneously) Me, me, me. She would take me home every night.

Farah: What are you saying! Shirish Kunder is my husband.

Boman: So what?

Farah: We are just good friends.

Shah Rukh Khan has praised your and Boman's poster of Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi. What are your reactions?
Farah: Shah Rukh always had the hots for me...for a long time. We know it. He loves me and Boman you come second in my list.