Saqib Saleem on PR culture: "Nobody has seen me distributing sweets because I don't stage these things"

With the much-anticipated crime thriller Crime Beat making its debut on ZEE5, we caught up with the lead actor Saqib Saleem to discuss his thoughts on the show, his journey, and the challenges of portraying a morally complex character. In this exclusive interview, he shares his insights on playing a journalist, navigating self-doubt, and his take on the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

How are you feeling about the show’s release? Have you received any reviews yet?

Saqib: No, I’ve been talking to you guys, so some of you have seen it. I got a review from them, and so far, it’s been good. If you have any other thoughts, do let us know. We would love to hear from you as well.

The trailer has sparked a lot of interest. There’s a line in it that really stood out: “Life mein upar jaane ke liye tedha hona boht zaroori hai.” Has this ever resonated with you in real life?

Saqib: Of course, you go through that in your daily life. You feel it sometimes. But if I tell you the truth, there is no straight path—it is a long way. Eventually, though, you have to take the straight path. No matter what you try. There have been times in my life when I felt that I had to be crooked, but ultimately, I have understood that you have to take the straight path and stay consistent. Sometimes people don’t notice your work at first, but if you keep doing good work, it will reach them.

Your character seems to exist in a grey area—neither entirely good nor entirely bad. How do you emotionally prepare for such roles?

Saqib: Everyone’s idea of right and wrong is different. Everyone’s boundaries are different. My character’s boundaries are different from the world’s, but does that make him wrong? Or does that make him right? That’s what the show explores.

I didn’t create a specific emotional headspace for the role. The material was so strong, and we did a lot of prep, readings, and backstory work. More than focusing on him being a journalist, I wanted to understand the person—his insecurities, where he came from, and his ambitions. Once I got that, playing the character became easier. Physically, you can dress the part, but understanding the person behind the profession is what truly matters.

Journalism is often called the fourth pillar of democracy, but today it’s intertwined with PR and paparazzi culture. How do you see this evolution, especially for actors?

Saqib: It’s very important these days. Promoting yourself is crucial, whether I personally believe in it or not. The world believes in it. My father always told me that if you do well, people will talk about you. I still stick to those values. I’m not a PR-hungry actor. You won’t see me being papped unless I’m attending an event. Nobody has seen me picking up coffee or distributing sweets to the poor because I don’t stage these things. I prefer letting my work speak for itself. Even for Citadel, I waited for the release before engaging with people because I believe that’s when the conversation truly matters.

Looking at your journey—from Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge to now—how do you feel about your evolution as an actor? Has OTT given you a bigger platform?

Saqib: 100%. Some of my favorite roles—whether it’s Rangbaaz, Citadel, or Crackdown—came via OTT. I’m very thankful for the medium. But growing up, I only wanted to be on the big screen. I still want to do films that come out in theatres. So yes, I have gratitude for OTT, but my dream has always been cinema.

In the trailer, your character faces self-doubt when his story doesn’t get published. Have you ever experienced self-doubt in your career?

Saqib: Every day. But I see that as a good sign. If I don’t doubt myself, how will I grow? If I already knew everything, what would be the point of doing anything? Every day, I wake up with the mindset that I don’t know anything. In the first few days of any new project, I feel nervous, wondering how things will turn out. But that’s human. Even the greatest people have moments of self-doubt. It’s important because it pushes you to do better.

Was there a specific turning point in your career that changed everything for you?

Saqib: I don’t think like that. I just want to keep getting more work. I’ve been here for a while now, so I’ve survived. Every project has given me something new. I’m happy and grateful for my journey, but I’m not fully content. There’s so much more I want to do. Hopefully, through this interview, filmmakers will see me in a different light.

You played a journalist so convincingly. If you weren’t an actor, what would you have been?

Saqib: I think I would have tried to become a cricketer.

Lastly, what message would you like to give to the audience before the show’s release?

Saqib: Nothing. The show is out on the 21st of February. Just watch it. Once you’ve seen it, then we’ll talk about it. Anything I say now won’t make sense. All I know is that it’s a great show with a great cast, directed by Sudhir Bhai and Sanjeev. If you’re looking for a good content-driven show, this is your show.

Crime Beat is helmed by directors Sudhir Mishra and Sanjeev Kaul. Featuring a talented ensemble cast including Saqib Saleem, Rahul Bhat, Danish Husain, Saba Azad, Kishor Kadam, Sai Tamhankar, Vipin Sharma, Rajesh Tailang, and Tveeshaa Sharma, the series draws inspiration from Somnath Batabyal's 2013 novel The Price You Pay. Centered around the world of investigative journalism and crime reporting, Crime Beat made its debut on ZEE5 on February 21, 2025.