Veteran actor Boman Irani, who recently made his directorial debut with The Mehta Boys, has shared candid thoughts on the growing trend of actors transitioning into directors. According to Irani, while actors bring a deep understanding of drama to the director’s chair, problems arise when they start instructing other actors how to act.
Speaking in an interview, Irani stated,
“I genuinely feel that if an actor becomes an actor-director and tries to become an actor’s director, that’s a problem. There's no need to tell actors how to act.”
He emphasized that actors-turned-directors should focus on guiding and nudging rather than dictating performances, adding,
“An actor understands drama, but that doesn’t mean he should teach acting. Let actors do their job. That’s what they are there for.”
Irani, who starred in Detective Sherdil alongside actor-director Sumeet Vyas, and will next appear in Tanvi The Great, directed by Anupam Kher, also poked fun at directors who indulge their inner performer on set.
“Some directors are closet actors,” he quipped, hinting at the occasional flair some directors bring to rehearsals.
Taking Indian Cinema to a Global Stage
Before its domestic release, The Mehta Boys was screened at various international film festivals. Irani reflected on the importance of global exposure for Indian cinema.
“The best thing international appreciation does is open up a new audience. It allows Indian stories to resonate across borders,” he said.
He recounted a personal moment of validation when a viewer in Cannes approached him after watching his film at a festival in Toulouse, France.
“She said, ‘98% of the audience were French—and they loved it.’ That, for me, is the real win. Reaching a new audience who might now explore more Indian films.”
While Irani admits that recognition feels good, he believes the real reward lies in helping Indian cinema find new, global admirers.
“We all want validation, sure. But opening up Indian storytelling to the world? That’s a greater victory.”
