'I'm dating Subha'
Cezanne Khan speaks about Subha Verma, Ekta Kapoor, controversies and Kasautii...
Reena Thapar Kapoor
On Kasautii Zindagi Kay:
The show has completed its 1000th episode and I'm really proud of it. For an actor, it's a great achievement. When the show started, just a few actors shouldered the responsibility of the show. Being one of them, I know what made it tick. And it has been worth it. Since I wanted to be a pilot and not an actor, I think I've done well for myself.
On Controversies:
I admit that controversies are an inevitable aspect of an actor's life. I don't fret over gossip. But in my case, the controversies got to the point of being extremely malicious and the negativity started affecting me and my work. Supposedly, I was having an affair with every possible lady working in Kasautii Zindagi Kay. And that was hitting below the belt. I knew I couldn't fight back, so the best option was to keep my lips sealed. I stayed away by not retaliating. Initially, it was the toughest thing to do but soon I realised that it worked for me. Now I'm unaffected by anything written about me as only I know what the truth is and that I don't owe anyone an explanation.
On his rapport with co-stars:
My equation with a co-star changes all the time. When I first me Ronit Roy, I didn't know him too well and we kept to ourselves. But in the last one year, Ronit and I have bonded. Today, we're friends. As for Shweta Tiwari, we started off as friends but now she's just a co-star. I prefer to have only a professional relationship with her. In this industry, being friendly can be misinterpreted as being 'over friendly', something that I've learnt over the years. Right now, I'm dating Subha Verma. I'm hoping that things will work out between us. But I can't really comment on what the future holds in store. Now Subha is the special person in my life.
On Marriage:
I completely believe in the institution of marriage. But I'm not ready for it. Right now, my work tops the priority list. Marriage is a lifetime commitment and I'm not ready to commit at present. I feel fidelity is most important and the basis of a marriage. For me, infidelity is unforgivable in a marriage. If you are working with someone 24/7, attraction is bound to happen. But for a married man, attractions, one-night stands, or extramarital affairs, should be a complete no-no.
On his fallout with Ekta Kapoor:
Ekta wanted me to play the lead role in Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka and due to certain reasons I had to opt out of the show.(No one could do Kunal better than Mr Eijaz Khan😆) But these are minor issues that always happen between an actor and producer. Why make a big deal out of it? I've been working in Ekta's production house for too long to let such trifles affect out equation. There was never any rift between us. I admire her as a person. She isn't imposing and lets actors take the final call. That is what sets her apart from the rest.
On his future plans:
I've been doing television for a while and now I want to take my career a step ahead. I want to do films. I know that for a TV actor it's difficult to get the kind of roles he is looking for. I don't want to take up something unimportant in haste. Be it negative or positive, I will only do lead roles. But I'll never quit television as it has given me fame and adulation. I can't be ungrateful to the medium!
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
