Boman Irani, who made his directorial debut this year at the age of 65 with The Mehta Boys, says he has already begun work on his next film as a director. The actor, who turns a year older tomorrow, tells us he is consciously steering his sophomore project into a new creative space.

“After directing a family drama, I have decided to pick a completely different genre. Just because people liked the first one, I do not think I should stick to the same zone. I want to enjoy different worlds of cinema,” he says.

Interestingly, Irani and his son Kayoze both marked their directorial debuts this year. Kayoze’s film Sarzameen, featured Kajol, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan. Speaking about the conversations they have had while navigating this new phase, Irani reflects on the realities of filmmaking: “Making a film is not easy. From the first line you write to finding someone who will back it financially, everything is a challenge. Casting is another game altogether, and then there is budgeting.”

When asked which actors he hopes to direct, Irani says the list is long: “If I name three, another three will feel bad... Directing Mr Amitabh Bachchan would truly be an experience for posterity. Just having the courage to tell him how a scene should go would be something.”

Boman Irani’s mantra in life is to be happy and to find joy in everyday life. The actor, who turned 61 yesterday, shares that one should have something to look forward to in life. “As long as I am happy, age is nothing but a number. Emotionally, I am sharper, more alive and excited than ever, even if physically, I can’t do things that a 25, 45 or 55-year-old person can,” says Irani, who visited his sisters in Pune for his birthday.

Having been in the industry almost two decades now, the Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) actor applies his mantra at work, too. “One could have a blockbuster, but if you aren’t happy, then what is the point? There could be obstacles in life but you have to learn to be happy. For me, enjoying myself while making a movie is success. If I was miserable making a hit film, the success won’t give me joy... I believe if I am not happy, I am not successful. No amount of money, box office returns or awards can ever match up to internal happiness,” he says.

This year, besides the pandemic, mental health was one topic that received a lot of attention, and Irani admits that it needs to be talked about. “We have to hold it together. We have to keep an eye on each other and be there for friends and family... Today, more than ever, we need to spread the message of hope, that everything will be fine,” says the actor whose rendition of The Wizard Of Oz (1939) song, Over The Rainbow, with a group of girls from a choir, went viral recently.

With two movies, Jayeshbhai Jordaar and '83 ready to release, Irani is excited about 2021. “I love to plan. Be it travel, the movie that I am writing and directing, the screenplay classes with budding writers, which I have had 200 sessions so far, all of these energise me. I am also in talks for three new films, which should be fun,” he shares.