Senior actor calls Irrfan Khan ‘the master of method acting’, says he is 'acting institution' to even many stars

“There are so many rumours about method acting. It’s not a typical thing to do. I believe it’s an exercise because, in films, you have to do various characters. And sometimes, for certain roles, you need some sort of preparation. You go through different “methods” to do the character. This preparation is actually method acting,” Irrfan Khan had once explained while asked about his thoughts on ‘method actors’ and it aptly sums up the process.
It’s a technique employed by many actors to achieve emotional authenticity and depth in their performances and has garnered both praise and criticism. Often misunderstood as a fixed process, method acting is better understood as an exercise—a flexible and personal journey that allows actors to delve into their characters' psyches.
Joy Sengupta who’s known for his nuanced performances in films like ‘Bilu Rakkhosh’, ‘City of Jackles’, and ‘Atardwanda’ explains that method acting encourages actors to deeply immerse themselves in their characters' lives and experiences, “Rather than merely portraying a role, actors engage in a profound exploration of their characters' emotions, motivations, and circumstances. This exercise requires a profound commitment and dedication to fully understand and embody the essence of the character, just like Irrfan Khan used to do in almost his every performance.”

According to him, one of the key aims of method acting is to evoke emotional truth and authenticity on stage or screen. “Through this exercise, actors tap into their own emotional reservoirs, drawing upon personal experiences and emotions to bring their characters to life. In this context, Irrfan Khan was a class apart in mastering the art of method acting. By connecting their own emotions to those of their characters, actors create performances that resonate deeply with audiences. The process involves developing a deep sense of empathy and understanding for the characters portrayed. This exercise requires actors to walk in the shoes of their characters, to comprehend their backgrounds, motivations, and struggles. By empathizing with their characters, actors gain a profound insight into the human condition, allowing them to convey a more nuanced and relatable performance. Just think about Irrfan Khan in ‘Piku’, ‘The Lunchbox’ or ‘Maqbool’ and you will understand what I am saying.”


“Method acting is an exercise in psychological exploration, delving into the depths of a character's psyche. Actors use various techniques, such as emotional memory, sense memory, and improvisation, to tap into the complex layers of their characters' personalities. This exercise requires introspection and self-awareness, enabling actors to uncover hidden facets of themselves through their characters,” explained the seasoned actor while speaking about the intense process.

Joy Sengupta insists that this kind of acting often involves physical transformation to embody a character fully. “Actors may alter their appearance, mannerisms, or even gain or lose weight to authentically represent the physicality of their characters. This exercise challenges actors to inhabit their characters physically, allowing them to better understand and convey their characters' presence and essence,” he adds.

Unlike a rigid process, method acting is adaptable and flexible, varying from actor to actor, that’s what Joy believes. “Each performer develops their own unique approach to the technique, drawing from a range of exercises and methods that resonate with them personally. This flexibility allows actors to shape their craft according to their individual strengths, preferences, and the demands of each role they undertake. Method acting is also an ongoing exercise that encourages actors to continuously learn, grow, and refine their craft. Actors continually seek new challenges, stretching their boundaries and embracing diverse roles to expand their artistic repertoire. This exercise promotes a lifelong dedication to self-improvement, fostering a constant evolution in the actor's technique and artistic expression,” shares the versatile actor.

Method acting is more than a typical process—it is a profound artistic exercise that pushes actors to the limits of their emotional, psychological, and physical capabilities. Joy Sengupta feels that through deep immersion, emotional truth, empathy, and psychological exploration, method actors bring forth performances that resonate with audiences on a profound level. As actors adapt and personalize their approach to this exercise, method acting continues to evolve and thrive as a powerful tool for artistic expression and storytelling.