Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 11, 2017)

While bagging an award for his “incredible body of work” at the Dubai International Film Festival last week is reason enough for Irrfan Khan to celebrate, that actor says this recognition is special for another reason. Talking about being honoured alongside the likes of Sir Patrick Stewart, Khan tells mid- day, “His [Stewart] work isn’t anything short of inspirational for any actor. Thus winning this medal alongside him makes the award more special.”

The 14th edition of the fest celebrated the works of Khan, Steward, Academy Award- winning Australian actor Cate Blanchett, and Egyptian writer Wahid Hamed. Although Khan had stated that he did not get a chance to discuss movies with Blanchett, he says he indulged in a tête-à-tête with Stewart about Indian cinema and its relevance in the world. “It was a pleasure to meet him, and to be co-honoured alongside someone as talented as he is.”

The actor had previously spoken about being delighted to share the stage with Blanchett, whose work in films like Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine (2013) and Todd Haynes’s Carol (2015), apparently inspired him.

Khan’s relationship-drama, The Song Of Scorpions, which has been directed by Anup Singh, was also screened at the fest last Thursday. It also stars Golshifteh Farahani and Waheeda Rehman in pivotal roles.