One of our most versatile actors Boman Irani plays the romantic lead for the first time in his career in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, which releases on August 24. Directed by newcomer Bela Sehgal, the film also marks the debut of choreographer-director Farah Khan as an actor.

Boman Irani plays a middle-aged Parsi salesman at a lingerie shop, who is unable to find a suitable bride.  The actor admits that it was really difficult for him to do the romantic scenes in the film. In this interview with Sonil Dedhia, Boman talks about the experience of working in the film, his chemistry with Farah Khan and also explains why he is happy doing non-lead roles.

You have done a lot of character-driven roles. Now you're the leading man in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi. How would you explain this journey? I see every role as a lead role. I won't do an unimportant role. Like the characters Asthana and Khurana in Munnabhai MBBS and Khosla Ka Ghosla respectively, were important. They are crucial to the film. Without them, there is no film.

In Khosla Ka Ghosla, I had just seven scenes. Then it becomes a challenge to make every scene count. It's like I have to score 20 runs in six balls.  At the same time, I would say that when I am playing a lead role, I get more breathing space. I can graph my journey well in that character. I have time to spread my wings as an actor here. Otherwise, I don't see myself as a hero.

Image: Boman Irani in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi