Starting tonight, Zee Classic presents India's Finest Films - a show that features masterpieces of parallel cinema. Viewers will get to watch Mira Nair's debut film Salaam Bombay! -the second Indian movie nominated for the best foreign film at the Oscars. Starring acclaimed actors like Nana Patekar and Raghubir Yadav, it also featured Irrfan, who forayed into cinema with a cameo in it. The actor chats with us about the show:

Mira Nair said that she is proud of discovering you. Comment.
Mira discovered me even before I graduated from National School of Drama. She offered me the main role in Salaam Bombay! But then, destiny had its own plans. I didn't end up doing the main role. To compensate, Mira gave me the role of a letter writer. When she offered me The Namesake, she said, 'Tera karz tha mujh par, aaj main woh chuka rahi hoon'.

What inspired you to take up acting?
I came across films where actors like Naseeruddin Shah were involved in what was termed as 'parallel cinema'. They were experiencing something beyond their personalities and comfort zones. It was so fascinating and I wanted to do that.

From a struggler to an acclaimed actor, what are the changes that you have seen?
A person becomes an actor to carve a niche and create a world where he can tell his stories. I am happy I have been able to do that. Movies like Salaam Bombay!, Ek Doctor Ki Maut, Qissa and National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) titles need to be showcased to TV audiences. This initiative by Zee Classic is one to look forward to.

What are your views about the show?
I remember when a certain genre of movies were made by the NFDC. Movies like Salaam Bombay! and other great titles define how the cinema of the 60s, 70s and 80s emerged. Hopefully, with these films coming on television now, people will experience the heart and soul of Indian cinema.

India's Finest Films airs every Saturday at 10 pm only on Zee Classic. It premieres tonight with `Salaam Bombay!'