HARSHADA REGE
William Shakespeare had once questioned 'What's in a name?' Well, the original Anurag Basu of Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Cezanne Khan, would tell you that there's lots to a name! The television actor, who has been named after the French painter Paul Cezanne — one of the greatest artists of the post-impressionist era — says that he is now used to his name being misspelt and mispronounced. And while it used to irritate him at first, now, it only amuses him. "The variations of my name that I have come across are quite entertaining. People have called me 'She-zane' or 'C-zanne'. Very few people get my name right. The spelling and pronunciation changes as per their interpretation," he laughs. Add to that his popularity as Anurag Basu of Kasautii Zindagii Kay and the confusion increases 10 fold, says Cezanne.
It's an uncanny coincidence, but a common name is not the only thing Cezanne shares with the painter. Both of them are also Capricorns. "Yes, that's quite a coincidence. I came to know about it only recently," says Cezanne. Speaking about how he was named this rather unusual name, he says, "My mum had come across the name of the painter and she loved it. It is an unusual name, but that also sets it apart from the rest."
So did he try to learn more about his namesake? "To tell you the truth, I have a book on the painter at home, but I haven't read it as yet," he laughs. And has he ever thought about changing his name? "No way! I love my name. How many Cezannes are you going to find in the city? My name is unique and I refuse to change it. Yes, people do have trouble saying it, but I'll live with that," he says. Having played Anurag for over four years, the actor is also referred to by this, his screen name. "Yes, most of my fans call me Anurag, but then that's the case with most TV actors," says Cezanne, who plans to venture into films soon.
Speaking about his zodiac sign, Cezanne admits that he is a typical Capricorn. "The characteristic I most identify with is the bluntness of this sun sign. I am not the type so say good things about a person and then bitch about him/her behind their back. That's probably why a lot of people don't like me. I don't know if the painter too was like this," says the actor, honestly. And has he ever tried his hand at painting? "No, I am not in any way planning to make painting my profession. That would be taking it too far. But I am not too bad at it," he laughs.