Irrfan Khan Puts His Career On Hold To Cross Major Hurdle
March 31st, 2009 - 12:09 pm ICT by Sampurn Wire
By Subhash K Jha
For now, Irrfan Khan is saying no to every assignment being offered to him to focus on the toughest and most challenging role of his career.
To play the steeple-chase runner in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Paan Singh Tomar Irrfan Khan is now devoting every waking minute to practicing the steeple chase.
He therefore has no time for any other project. “This is the most physically and mentally demanding film of my career. If I give attention to anything else I won’t be able to do justice to this role. You see steeple chase is a a far more complicated form of marathon run than other kinds. It demands a continuous rhythm as one runs and jumps. It’s the most difficult task I’ve ever undertaken as an actor.”
Unable to cope with the heavy demands on his body and mind Irrfan has stopped work on all other projects. “I’ve steeple- chase experts constantly working on me. I’m trying to stretch my body to its limit. I have to look convincing as this long-distance steeple chase runner . Otherwise the film falls flat. I can’t afford that risk at this stage of my career.”
Says Irrfan, “There are lots of talks for new projects, both national and international. But I’m not signing anything. I have to devote all my time to getting the steeple chase right.” -Sampurn Media

- No new project for me now: Irrfan Khan - Apr 01, 2009
- Former athletes wanted money to talk about Paan Singh: Irrfan Khan - Feb 18, 2012
- 'Paan Singh Tomar' a rare cinematic treat (IANS Hindi Film Review) - Mar 03, 2012
- Censors object to expletives in 'Paan Singh Tomar' - Mar 03, 2012
- Irrfan puts heart, sweat into 'Paan Singh Tomar' (Movie Snippets) - Feb 21, 2012
- 'Paan Singh Tomar' - a masterpiece by Tigmanshu, Irrfan - Oct 21, 2010
- Big B praises 'Paan Singh Tomar', calls it true biopic - Mar 04, 2012
- FIR against 'Paan Singh Tomar' director - Feb 28, 2012
- 'Paan Singh Tomar': Untold tale of an athlete-turned-dacoit (IANS Preview) - Feb 28, 2012
- Rani hasn't said yes for Begum Samru role: Dhulia - Apr 14, 2012
- 'Paan Singh Tomar' set for Gulf release on popular demand - Mar 12, 2012
- Paan Singh Tomar To Premiere At London Film Festival - Sep 17, 2010
- Dhulia to direct Indian adaptation of 'Hamlet' - May 14, 2012
- Tusshar's maiden visit to Golden Temple (Movie Snippets) - Mar 04, 2012
- Being a Khan doesn't guarantee success: Irrfan - Apr 16, 2012
Tags: hurdle, irrfan khan, jha, long distance, marathon run, new projects, paan, rhythm, risk, steeple chase, tigmanshu dhulia