Irrfan to take haircutting lessons

Actor Irrfan Khan plays the title role in Priyadarshan's "Billo Barber" and says he will learn the art of haircutting from a roadside barber to make his character look real.

"Not hair styling, mind you. I didn't want to learn the barber's art from some posh salon in a seven-star hotel. That kind of haircutting I know already. I've done it to my kids. The bona fide barbers hold the scissors in a different manner and the way they hold the customer's hair is different," Irrfan told IANS.

"I'm actually going to sit with a roadside barber and observe him at work. As soon as I finish learning ... I'll probably experiment on Shah Rukh Khan, who's my co-star in 'Billo Barbar'," he told IANS.

Irrfan, who earned rave reviews for his performances in films like "Maqbool" and "The Namesake", is really kicked about working with King Khan.

"Shah Rukh is such a sport. He called me and said, 'I'll dance in the film while you do the acting.' He is so comfortable in his space. I want to learn that from him. I want to be comfortable in my surroundings. That's the only plan I have for my career."

"Billo Barber" is inspired by the unique friendship between Lord Krishna and his childhood friend Sudama and Priyadarshan is presenting it in a new avatar in his film.

The movie's shooting is set to be complete by July end, Irrfan said.

The actor added that he had been longing to work with Priyadarshan.

"I saw his recent film 'Kanjeevaram' ... excellent film. If he has been making comedies because it was the demand of the market, 'Billo Barber' will take him into a different league. It's a very moving story."

Irrfan admits he had to act restrained in his previous release "Krazzy 4".

"When we were shooting, there were moments when I had to hold myself back. They wanted to focus more on the story. Many of my proposed scenes were eliminated. But I've no complaints. 'Krazzy 4' is popular with kids. I always wanted to do a film that kids would love. I've been doing too many grownup films."

So why doesn't Irrfan direct a film?

"Only when it comes naturally to me. I'll only direct when I find a story so compelling that I want to share it with the audience. It may come very soon," he said.

Indo-Asian News Service