Best Actor award win ‘humbling’ for Irrfan

What was common to both Hindi Medium and Qarib Qarib Singlle, besides stellar performances by Irrfan, was the fact that both films were not only contentdriven, but fared exceptionally well at the box-office. And now, the actor has hit a home run with a much-deserved win as the Best Actor in the Popular Choice category at a recent awards event, beating the likes of Shah Rukh Khan (Raees), Varun Dhawan (Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya), and Aamir Khan (Dangal).

What makes it even more special for Irrfan, who, by consistently featuring in successful, content-rich cinema, has redefined what it means to be a hero in a Bollywood film, won the award for his portrayal of a rich Delhi businessman in Hindi Medium. The fact that he was nominated for two films (the other being Qarib Qarib Singlle), proves how the distinction between content-driven and commercial cinema in Bollywood is quickly fading away.

“It’s amazing that I won the award of the Best Villain for Haasil (2003), and now it’s the Best Actor. It’s humbling, and I’m really glad to know how successful Hindi Medium has been as a film,” the actor says.

Elated after the win, Irrfan notes, “I have strongly believed that the economics of a film’s success can be achieved with films that run high on content.” He adds, “Hindi Medium, I truly believe, was a complete entertainer with a great message and subject backing it, and that’s what makes this win even more special. The year has ended on a great note, with my last film being appreciated by all, and now this (the award).”

I’ve strongly believed that the economics of a film’s success can be achieved with films that run high on content. Hindi Medium had a great subject IRRFAN, ACTOR