How Does Irshad Kamil Resist the Urge to Immerse Himself in Characters?

Synopsis
Lyricist Irshad Kamil shares insights on maintaining character integrity without personal immersion, discussing his craft and the nature of love. As the release of ‘Saiyaara’ approaches, his reflections offer a deeper understanding of art and emotion.
Key Takeaways
- Irshad Kamil emphasizes character authenticity over personal immersion.
- The distinction between profession and personality is crucial in storytelling.
- Love is portrayed as an eternal and fundamental emotion.
- The director Mohit Suri is recognized for his skillful representation of love in cinema.
- 'Saiyaara' is produced by the renowned Yash Raj Films.
Mumbai, June 12 (NationPress) Lyricist Irshad Kamil, known for his contributions to the upcoming film ‘Saiyaara’, has revealed his strategy for avoiding excessive personal immersion in the characters he creates. The female lead in the movie is also a writer, mirroring Kamil's own profession.
In a recent interview with IANS leading up to the film’s launch, Irshad addressed how he manages the temptation to infuse himself into the characters. He stated, “This is a challenge I encountered recently. As director Mohit Suri aptly said, ‘Writing is a profession’. My character is a writer, but her passion for poetry is just a facet of her identity. I identify as a writer, yet I could also work in a bank; it's feasible to explore multiple avenues.”
He elaborated, “Working, character, profession, and personality are distinct entities. It is essential to adhere to the character's authenticity and the moment's truth. For example, in the film ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, Diljit Dosanjh portrayed a writer, and I practiced restraint in projecting my own traits onto that character. I aimed for that character to truly resonate.”
“The challenge lies in detaching yourself while simultaneously stepping into the shoes of the character, which is quite exhilarating,” he added.
Previously, Irshad compared love to a rainbow, encompassing many colors within a single term, stating, “I believe that love is the only emotion that transcends time. Anger fades, irritations vanish, but love remains eternal.”
He emphasized that love is a fundamental emotion, undeniable at any level. He praised director Mohit Suri for his exceptional ability to depict love, with notable works like ‘Zeher’, ‘Kalyug’, ‘Woh Lamhe’, the cult classic ‘Awarapan’, and the blockbuster ‘Aashiqui 2’.
Produced by Yash Raj Films, ‘Saiyaara’ is scheduled for release in theaters on July 18, 2025.