I can't be Johnny Lever: Iqbal Khan
He left Ekta Kapoor's Karam Apna Apna at a point when he had touched the pinnacle of success. By then, he had won several hearts as Angad in Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai. But Iqbal Khan couldn't care less. Thereafter, he was seen in Star One's Chhoona Hai Aasman. But again, things didn't work out well for Iqbal. Now, this handsome Khan of TV is back in Smriti Irani's new show Waaris on Zee. We chat up the actor…
The look and feel of Waaris seems to be inspired by Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar. What's your take on it?
Well, I admit the promos do have a similarity. The characters may be inspired from the film, but not the entire storyline. Waaris is a family drama set against the background of the underworld. It tells the story of the true successor for the position created by a senior don. And I play the don's elder son Shankar. We fight for the right cause.
So, are you trying to be the Abhishek Bachchan of TV? What did you do to prepare yourself for the role of a gangster?
I am not Abhishek, I am Iqbal Khan. I think every actor plays a certain role in a certain way. It didn't take me long to get into the skin of the character. So far, so good.
How has it been working with Aashish Vidhyarthi?
He is undoubtedly a gifted actor. It has been a good experience.
What made you sign on the dotted line? Is Smriti Irani interfering as a producer?
It is always the character and the plot that entice me to take up a certain project. It was the channel people who approached me for the show. After a meeting with Smriti Irani, who happens to be the producer, I was convinced my character had potential. Smriti knows her job well. It is obvious that she would supervise every aspect of the It feels nice to see her taking keen interest and helping out the team.
I guess, you are right. I prefer doing serious stuff. But then I am completely a director's actor. If the director gives me a funny situation, I shall enact. Otherwise, I don't think I really look forward to do a 'comedy' per se. I cannot be Johnny Lever (with due respect to Mr Lever...)
Why did you quit Chhoona Hai Aasman?
The channel (Star One) did not promote the show properly. I was unhappy from day one. It changed track and did not stick to the Air Force background. I had told everyone when I joined the show that I would quit if the track lost focus. I waited till my character gradually phased out in a logical way.
http://www.buzz18.com/interviews/tv/i-cant-be-johnny-lever-iqbal-khan/73021/0
What about films? Are you waiting for the right break like Rajeev Khandelwal?
I don't want to do a film just for the heck of it. I just cannot go around asking for roles. If anything worthwhile comes my way, and everything falls into place, I am game.
Any particular reason for not participating in any of the reality shows so far?
They are good to watch on the small screen. I keep getting offers but I am not comfortable doing them. I am private person. I go for work. Then I like to come home and spend time with my wife.
Have you approached Ekta Kapoor ever since you left Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai?
No, both of us haven't interacted for a long while.
Of all the roles you have done so far, which is closest to your heart?
I think it is Angad in Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai...for the simple reason that it changed my fortune to a great extent. You can call it a turning point in my life.
What comes to your mind when you think about the following people?
Ekta Kapoor: She's the queen of television.
Smriti Irani: Undoubtedly, the No 1 bahu on the small screen.
Rajeev Khandelwal: Well, he is a good guy.
Mandira Bedi: I can only think of cricket.
Iqbal Khan: …is a superstar.
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