It will be a tough decision for any actor to turn down a role in a Christopher Nolan film. Actor Irfan Khan to Times of India reveals why he had to turn down Interstellar. Irfan has worked with Oscar winners Ang Lee and Danny Boyle. In 2012, he played Dr. Rajit Ratha in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and in Life of Pi; he played the adult version of Piscine "Pi" Moliter Patel in the film adaptation of Life of Pi.

Irfan says, "I was in talks with them for an important role. It had a great compact cast, but I can't divulge much about that. They expected a huge commitment from my end. I had to stay in the US for four months at a stretch. I tried to work out my schedule and suggested if I could shuttle between India and the US as it wouldn't have been possible for me to be there for that long. I wanted to be here for The Lunchbox and D-Day. They couldn't allow that. I don't have a tendency to regret what I do, but knowing it's a Christopher Nolan film, I can say that this has been one of the most difficult decisions I've made."

Khan has won three Filmfare Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Independent Spirit Award nomination. He is also the recipient of 2011 Padma Shri award, the fourth highest civilian award in India.

• Tags: Christopher Nolan, Interstellar, Irfan Khan