Fame Gurukul's Qazi ditches C.I.D team
Director Kabir Sadanand is forced to come to the rescue at the last minute, and step into Qazi's shoes
Ram Kamal Mukherjee
Apparently Qazi Touqeer (of Fame Gurukul) is not interested in acting on the small screen. The actor was recently approached by Sony TV for their show C.I.D. The channel wanted Qazi to play an important character in the serial. However, Qazi refused to be part of the show at the last minute. Apparently he told the producers that he doesn't want to end up being "another Abhijeet Sawant" and wants to make debut on the big screen.
When contacted, Qazi admitted that he had declined his role in C.I.D. "Yes, I read the script and realised that it was not exciting enough," he says. "It was the same old story with some little twists and turns. Moreover I don't want to be a part of the small screen industry. I don't mind performing as a singer for television, but I don't want to act in serials."
"I have big dreams and I don't want to compromise on them," he continues. When asked about his comment on Abhijeet Sawant he says, "I didn't say anything in particular against him. I said something like, 'Abhijeet may have done it, but that doesn't mean I'll be comfortable doing the same."
The singer wants to maintain his exclusivity and wants to make debut in celluloid. "Once you agree to do small roles on television, you are not considered for meaty roles in big screen," he says.
After Qazi turned down the offer, the production house was helpless and, in sheer desperation, they called up director Kabir Sadanand. "I got call from the production house at 11 p.m. and they were extremely tense. They were trying to find an apt replacement for the character. No actor was available at such a short notice. So finally I had to play the role myself," says Kabir.
Naturally, Sony TV is unhappy with Qazi for throwing starry tantrums.