Yep. I didn't have anything interesting to talk about. I didn't lose my dog, no fights with anybody, nobody thinks I'm important enough to pick on! No really, with so many people talking just about anything, it's nice to sit back and enjoy the show. Besides by now, all know me and don't call. (laughs)
You are all set for bollywood?
Doesn't that sound scary? I am all set. I had made up my mind to give it a shot long back. I didn't want to bang my own drum. I think there are quite a few actors from TV who will do very well. And why not give it a shot? You live only once. And as for those unspoken rules, rules were meant to be broken.
Which one is your debut film?
Pritish Nandy's Meerabai Not Out.
You've been tight-lipped about your debut film...
I don't think so. I just wasn't talking about anything. Besides there are qualified professionals who will do the talking. Me being a rank newcomer, I'm not qualified enough to do it. It's as simple as that. My silence should not be misinterpreted as anything else. MNO is is my first full length feature film. It's a simple sweet story. The kinds that don't get made anymore. Wait and watch.
There's also Dharmesh Darshan's film that you are doing with some of your TV colleagues...
The movie is Bhanvraa... Love and Aggression. It's a dream. You have no idea how I have landed this role. An act of kindness by someone. I am way too grateful for that. As for working with Manav, Sangeeta and Shveta, I haven't worked with them earlier. I have just got to know them. The one striking thing is how perfectly each one of us suits the roles we are enacting.
What's the film about? And your role?
C'mon, I'm not going tell you the whole story! It's really intense. A proper commercial Dharmesh Darshan project. It's his conviction. It's his vision. His film. We have just submitted. My role in it... well, I would kill for it! When I heard it, I really thought it was tailormade for me. It's quite close to the real me.
With your focus on Bollywood, what happens to television?
I don't wanna be stupid and say something even more stupid. See, I'll be blunt. I want to give this my best shot. What happens happens. Atleast I know I gave it my best. But as of now, it's only this. Some say it's possible to balance both or don't want to leave the security TV provides. But I am willing to take that risk.
Some TV actors have regretted their decision of quitting TV for films...
That's them. Not me. I don't think I will regret anything. I haven't really regretted anything yet.
You did a cameo in the serial Kayamath recently?
You remember that? It was long ago. It was a new show, interesting character, Balaji is home turf and it was a chance to work with Anil V Kumar again. You know he was the first person who actually taught me stuff. Some others just laughed at me.
What's on the personal front? There have been reports about Anita and you splitting?
Listen, I hate explanations. Even my dad knows that and doesn't ask for any. I don't like explaining who, why, when, how, what? It's boring and also personal. There is a definite line of demarcation between public and personal life. And it's gonna be that way. I don't care what anybody thinks or writes about me. Why should I behave apologetic about my own life when I'm not answerable to anyone? But yes, if it hurts people I love, I will not ignore that. I will hurt them back.
Have you seen Anita in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi?
Yes I have. You know how I am. I have to see, analyse, add my two bits. She is looking beautiful. But don't you think she should put on some weight now?
Tell us something about Eijaz Khan, the person?
Ok. How much print space can you give? Na, I'm way too critical. Please don't ask me. Ask people who know me.
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(BOMBAY TIMES)
Bindi
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Jodha Akbar
