Sutapa Sikdar, wife of late actor Irrfan: Babil pe bahut zyada pressure hai, almost depression mein hai

Late actor Irfaan’s wife, screenwriter and producer Sutapa Sikdar, says there is too much pressure on their son, actor Babil Khan, due to constant comparisons with his legendary father and the family is still trying to overcome this supreme loss.

“Babil pe bahut zyada pressure hai aur mujhe yeh thik nahin lagta!” This pressure shouldn’t be there, Irrfan never had this pressure and when you don’t put pressure on yourself, his individuality comes out. It’s not only about work but also the loss of a father figure, almost depression mein hai! Usmein yeah, stress and squeeze all the time. As a mother, I say to myself, “Please, simple bachche ko chor do.” In addition, he is very vulnerable and does not have the spirit of a fighter! His father was very strong and so was I, but genetically kahin se to aaya hoga…” says the author of Kahani (2012) during his visit to Lucknow.

Making a comparison, she said, “For example, Abhishek Bachchan has done an amazing job in I want to talk but wahi hai… the comparisons with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan work against him. I have the impression that Babil is going through a similar ordeal. I just hope he gets over it soon.”

Back at work, she worked as a consultant for two television shows and is now getting into writing mode.

“I’m writing a book and a film but to be honest I still can’t seem to become an individual where I can focus on my career or on writing. I can’t break away and simultaneously Babil’s career started and phir kabhi kuch, kabhi kuch…so I’m still stuck. I wrote the skeleton part of the film. Besides, I have started a book on Irrfan but it is not a serious sermon and I want to do it in a funny genre which needs time.

So, will she direct it and star in it as well? “Whoever I told the concept to suggested I do it. Babil can fit in because it’s about a mother and son, but I probably won’t play it.

Sutapa Sikdar on Irrfan: Gazab Kirdaar Tha Wo, Jo Humara Yaar Tha

During the session Gazab Kirdaar Tha Wo, Jo Humara Yaar Tha with moderator Saman Habib, organized as part of the Kabir festival in Lucknow, Sutapa Sikdar shared some anecdotes about Irrfan and his acting process. Excerpts:

• The 30 years we spent together were nothing but saath-saath chalta hai. Hum dono ke saath ke wajah se hum dono hain! We were part of each other. From being students to growing up together, it has been a beautiful journey.
• Irrfan had a way of making me feel confident. Har cheez mein nukta-chini karne wale them and it’s the same for me. I was critical of his work. Ukno main har cheez ke liye lathad deti thi but it got the National Film Awards, so I was like wow. After Paan Singh Tomar (2012) I finally said, “Tumne dil khush kar diya ab koi critique nahi hai!” »
• As for his acting process, he would read a scene out loud a lot – 500 times! He read it so many times that when he started filming it, he recognized it and almost became that character. For special moments used to draw an emotional memory from one’s life/experience or image if it happens to him and then convert it. It’s a skill!