Actor Boman Irani has joined the ensemble cast of filmmaker Kabir Khan’s next ’83’. He will be seen playing the role of former cricketer-commentator Farokh Engineer in the sports drama ’83 featuring Ranveer Singh. The movie also features Pankaj Tripathi, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Saqib Saleem, Ammy Virk, Chirag Patil, Jiiva and Harrdy Sandhu.
The actor, who plays the character of the legendary former opening batsman and wicket-keeper, Farokh Engineer, in the film talks about his role, “He was the only Indian commentator during the 1983 World Cup. His story, along with co-commentator Brian Johnston’s, runs parallel to the main narrative.”
During the historic World Cup final between India and West Indies, Johnston had jokingly asked Engineer if the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, would declare a public holiday if India wins, to which his Indian counterpart had quipped, “She is an avid listener of the show, and would declare a public holiday just hearing this.”
Turned out, Engineer’s prediction came true.
Boman Irani joined the team at the Lord’s cricket ground on Sunday. Talking about the same he said, “I will be shooting for a couple of days here, and then join the team in Mumbai. It’s a great honour to play this legendary character. I went to Manchester during the World Cup this year and stayed with him for a few days. We even watched India versus Pakistan match together. It was so surreal; like meeting your boyhood hero. I stayed at his house and we had some good laughs while trying to understand the man for the role.”
The actor also opened up about what drew him to the film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Reliance Entertainment and Madhu Mantena, in which he represents India from the commentator’s box.
“Kabir called me a few months ago and offered me this role. Instinctively, I replied, ‘If you give this role to someone else, we’ll not be friends anymore.’ I’m here now, shooting,” Boman shares.
’83’ that also features Deepika Padukone is slated to hit the screens on 10 April 2020.
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