Boman Irani on working with Amitabh Bachchan in Waqt: 'A special privilege'
Synopsis
Boman Irani has revealed the self-doubt he felt before first sharing the screen with Amitabh Bachchan in Waqt — and how it dissolved the moment he remembered that every performer, regardless of stature, is simply an artist. His candid reflection on learning '5000 things' from Bachchan and '50 things' from Gen Z actors is a rare window into how one of Bollywood's most versatile character actors keeps himself sharp.
Key Takeaways
Boman Irani described working with Amitabh Bachchan as a 'special privilege,' recalling nerves before their first collaboration.
The two actors first shared screen space in the 2005 film Waqt , alongside Akshay Kumar , Priyanka Chopra , and Shefali Shah .
Irani said he has learnt '5000 things' from Bachchan and continues to draw lessons from Gen Z performers as well.
His filmography spans 3 Idiots , Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. , Dunki , and many more acclaimed titles.
He will next be seen in Peddi , releasing on 4 June , starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor .
Veteran actor Boman Irani has opened up about the experience of sharing screen space with Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, describing every collaboration with the megastar as a 'special privilege.' The actor recalled his feelings ahead of their first film together and how the experience reshaped his understanding of the craft.
Recalling the First Collaboration
Boman Irani first worked alongside Amitabh Bachchan in the 2005 family drama Waqt, which also featured Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Shefali Shah, and Rajpal Yadav. Reflecting on the lead-up to that shoot, Irani admitted to a moment of self-doubt. 'It's a privilege to work with everybody. Of course, it's a special privilege to work with Mr Bachchan. When I worked with him for the first time, I thought how will we do it? But realised eventually, they are all artists,' he said.
A Philosophy of Lifelong Learning
Beyond the Bachchan anecdote, Irani used the conversation to articulate a broader outlook on artistic growth — one that places curiosity above seniority. He said that he actively draws lessons from performers across every generation, including those from Gen Z. 'If I don't learn something from a Gen Z person, then I am a fool thinking that I am more experienced than them. Every day you learn something new. From Mr Bachchan, I have learnt 5000 things. From a Gen Z person, I might learn 50 things. But I learn, and for me that's very exciting,' he added.
A Career Built on Versatility
Irani has carved out one of Hindi cinema's most distinctive supporting careers, appearing in a string of commercially and critically successful films. His credits include Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Don, Main Hoon Na, and Dunki, among many others. That range — from broad comedy to dramatic gravitas — is precisely the quality that has made him a sought-after collaborator for directors across genres.
What's Next for Boman Irani
Irani is set to appear next in Peddi, scheduled to release on 4 June. The film stars Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles, with Divyendu Sharma also part of the cast. The release marks Irani's entry into a high-profile Telugu-Hindi crossover project, extending his reach beyond the Mumbai film circuit.
Point of View
He describes a collegial realisation that 'they are all artists.' What stands out is the deliberate humility: a man with decades of acclaimed work still framing himself as a student, including of actors young enough to be his grandchildren. In an industry where hierarchy is fiercely guarded, that posture is genuinely unusual. The Peddi release will also be a test of whether his appeal travels as cleanly into the Telugu crossover space as it has in Hindi cinema.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which film did Boman Irani first work in with Amitabh Bachchan?
Boman Irani first worked with Amitabh Bachchan in the 2005 family drama Waqt. The film also starred Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Shefali Shah, and Rajpal Yadav.
What did Boman Irani say about working with Amitabh Bachchan?
Irani called it 'a special privilege,' adding that he initially wondered how the collaboration would work but soon realised that all performers are, at their core, artists. He said he has learnt '5000 things' from Bachchan over the years.
What is Boman Irani's next film?
Boman Irani's next release is Peddi, scheduled for 4 June. The film stars Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles, with Divyendu Sharma also featuring in the cast.
What has Boman Irani said about learning from younger actors?
Irani said he actively learns from Gen Z performers and that failing to do so would make him a 'fool.' He estimated learning around 50 things from younger actors compared to 5000 from Bachchan, but stressed that the learning itself is what matters.
What are some of Boman Irani's most notable films?
Boman Irani is known for a wide range of films including Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Don, Main Hoon Na, and Dunki, among others.
