He always nursed a desire to join Bollywood. And when he saw Salman Khan flexing his muscles in a flick, it inspired him to work on his physique and overall personality and only then take the plunge.
Meet Imran Ali Khan, who has modelled for a string of products, besides being a part of a number of stage shows in U.K. He is now all set to try his luck in Bollywood with Sohail Khan's I - PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN.
Technically speaking, I - PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN is Imran's second film as an actor - the first being Karan Johar's K3G. “When Karan offered a role to me, I decided to give it a shot,” he says, confessing that even that miniscule role got him immense recognition back home.
In I - PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN, Imran plays a part that is very real to life. “I've been a victim of racial discrimination when I was schooling in U.K. So when Puneet [director Puneet Sira] and Sohail offered me this role, I jumped at it instantaneously since I could identify with it.”
Although the film primarily revolves around Sohail, Imran says that he's got an equally meaty role in the flick. “My role is substantial enough to leave an impression. I enact the role of a Pakistani who joins hands with Sohail, an Indian, to fight the troublemakers,” he says.
Imran's stint in theatre helped him go through his part effortlessly. “If at all I found something difficult, Puneet's guidance made things easier. I've put my 100% into this role and I'm sure the viewer would notice the labour that has gone into it.”
At the moment, Imran hasn't really started meeting producers/directors. “I am awaiting the verdict. Once I - PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN releases, I'll have something to talk of when I meet them [makers],” he asserts, continuing in the same breath, “I'd like to work with the best in the business. It would be amazing if I get an opportunity to work with Yash-ji [Chopra] some day.”
Right now, Imran awaits with bated breath the response to the film and his performance in particular. “I am a bundle of nerves,” he admits, as the D day draws closer [the film is slated for release on February 6].
But he's sure about one thing - he'll continue his tryst with Bollywood, come what may. “I've grown up on Bollywood movies. I was smitten by Mr. Bachchan's works while growing up. Hindi films fascinate me. I've always desired to be here and now that I've taken my first step, I don't want to retract,” the youngster confesses.
