Irrfan keen on playing legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand

After winning accolades for his national level athlete-turned dacoit act in Paan Singh Tomar Irrfan Khan is now keen to essay the role of Indian hockey genius Dhyan Chand in a biopic based on the legend’s life.

“It has been one of my dreams to do a role on Dhyan Chand. It seems I have grown too old to play this role. But if I get a chance to do I will definitely play the role of Dhyan Chand in a film. Dhyan Chand’s story is amazing and he had made the country very proud,” Irrfan told reporters in Mumbai, last evening at the DVD launch of his film, Paan Singh Tomar based on a true story of a simple farmer and an athlete who became one of the most dreaded dacoits in Chambal valley.

“He made a very big name for himself in the field of hockey and today see the condition of hockey. I think we should definitely make a film on Dhyan Chand,” he said.

Recently Shah Rukh Khan had revealed that he has been approached to play the role of the hockey player.

Dhyan Chand, who is considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, is most remembered for his goal-scoring feats and for his three Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, and 1936) in field hockey, while India was dominant in the sport.

Irfan feels that today times are changing as audience wants to see films on original subjects.

“Filmmakers have realised that audience is also hungry for original subjects, to see our own stories. They (audience) also want to see original cinema..films that have an identity…they want to see those films whose roots are based here. This section of audience has awakened the film industry and it is not just about sport films, people want to see good and original cinema,” he said.

The 49-year-old would be seen next in the second installment of Tigmanshu Dhulia’s hit film, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster.

He also has a Hollywood film, The Amazing Spider-Man where he essays a role of Dr Ratha, up for release on July 3.