Pitobash considers Irrfan Khan a role model

Pitobash at the world premiere of the film in Hollywood, California. PHOTO: FILE

Bollywood actor Pitobash Tripathy recently ventured into Hollywood through the filmMillion Dollar Arm, for which he is receiving tremendous adulation. He has been in Los Angeles since April 30 for the film, which releases in the United States on Friday.

Known for his roles in critically acclaimed films such as I Am Kalam (2010) and Shor In The City (2011), the actor has been recognised for depicting minor but versatile roles. “I’m always scared of being typecast,” he once said, reported the Times of India.

For his role in Million Dollar Arm, Pitobash shared that he sought help from Irrfan Khan. “I met him for advice on how to go about my career in the west. Irrfan saheb was very helpful. I’ve always looked up to him as a role model. Now, I have more a reason to do so,” he said.

The Craig Gillespie directorial also features Indian actors Suraj Sharma and Madhur Mittal. Pitobash is thrilled about the response to the film, which has only been released in India thus far. The reaction to a premiere screening of Million Dollar Arm, which took place on May 6 in the US, has also been notably positive.

“When I came out, there were people waiting to get a picture with me and get me to sign an autograph. I was stunned. I want to know how they came to know about me and my performance when the film has not even opened in the US,” he exclaimed.

The young actor, who started his Bollywood career with a brief role in Krishna DK and Raj Nidimoru’s 99 (2009), shared that he feels like a newcomer all over again. “I can’t tell you how excited and nervous I am. It’s like I am starting my career from scratch. I have the same butterflies in my stomach,” he said.

Pitobash stated that the entire cast of Million Dollar Arm has been very helpful. “Shooting the film was like a family affair. We all bonded so beautifully, and the bond continues even now, during the film’s release,” he shared.

Describing his journey from Bollywood to Hollywood as a dream, he said, “I can’t believe I’ve come here. It took me two and a half months and 16 rounds of audition to get this role. I feel I am part of a dream. I will soon wake up and realise it never happened.”