I am still loyal to Ekta Kapoor

by Subhash K Jha

This could blow up into a major problem. After Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Ekta Kapoor has made up her mind to make another generation leap in Kaise Yeh Pyarr Hai.

There's only one problem. Iqbal Khan refuses to take the leap. Shooting back-to-back for the two Balajee serials Kaisa Yeh Pyarr Hai and Kavyanjali, Iqbal is crystal-clear about his priorities.

"My loyalty to Ekta Kapoor and Balajee is unquestionable. Even if Steven Spielberg was to ask me to do a film I'll tell him to ask Ekta about my dates. I'm currently working in two serials for Ekta. My character Angad on Kaisa Yeh Pyarr Hai will always remain very close to my heart. I AM Angad.

But I cann't bring myself to age on screen. It just doesn't seem right. My career as an actor has only started. I can't allow myself to leap forward by 20-25 years. It just won't work. I want to be the lead. But I don't want to take the leap."

Iqbal has already informed Ekta that the generation leap isn't what he wants.

"I don't know what the solution is. Maybe I can play Angad's son. Or otherwise they can bump me off. But I'm certain I won't go through the aging process on the soap. Let's see what Ekta does with my character.

Please don't forget, I belong to the biggest family in Mumbai. Ekta can move me anywhere she wants. I'm happy to be just part of Balajee. I've given them 19 hours of my time. They can do what they like with me."

Moving on to his new soap Kavyanjali which Iqbal has recently joined, the actor says, "My character Shaurya in Kavyanjali is so different from Angad. I'm the funny man in Kavyanjali trying to make everyone smile. On the sets I didn't know anyone except Anita.

But now I'm comfortable with everyone including Amrita Singh who's really awesome. But I'm not much of a fun seeker. I give my shot. If someone cracks a joke I laugh. But I won't crack a joke myself."

Iqbal is now looking to marriage next year. "My parents have consulted all the elders in our family in Srinagar. To me my parents' approval means everything. I don't care about anything else. My girlfriend and I will now tie the knot next years as soon as Ekta gives me some time off."