The prodigal son returns

Iqbal Khan talks about his comeback to the Balaji camp with Pyar Ko Ho Jaane Do after his fallout with Ekta Kapoor, a few years ago

Actor Iqbal Khan, who had a fallout with Ekta Kapoor after he quit a Balaji show midway, is excited about coming back to the fold with Pyar Ko Ho Jaane Do.

After he had left the show midway, to spend more time with his new bride, he hadn’t been able to do much. His characters would either be bumped off or he himself would quit. Besides a few shows since then, he had participated in Khatron Ke Khiladi last season.

About his prolonged absence, Iqbal says, “It’s nothing important I had some priorities which needed to be addressed. Also, it’s very normal for me to take a break between projects. These breaks are essential for me, so that I can go back to a normal life at least for some time.”

There have been comparisons between Pyar Ko Ho Jaane Do and Aamir Khan’s film Fanaa. Iqbal says, “You will have to watch the show to know the stories of Ishaan and Rizwaan. A television show can’t be compared to a film. A film is of about two and a half hours or a little more but our shows are episodic — with each being about an hour’s duration. So definitely there can be no comparisons.”

About his role in the show, he says, “It is the story of a family. Ishaan is the ideal son while Rizwaan has his own motto.” “This show is different as Ekta has always shouldered the responsibility of doing different stuff. She knows what attracts the audiences and though the family theme in the show is the same, Ekta has brought in a thrill element to it. If people are connecting it with the spy element (as in Fanaa) then it’s great,” he adds.

And Iqbal is pretty clear about his work ethics. “I enjoy working, so whatever I choose to do, I do not leave any stones unturned. However, I do not enjoy being a part of something that doesn’t interest me. I don’t think that you can do well in something that you have to drag on. I don’t find any enjoyment in that.”

On not doing two shows at a time he says, “I have a little daughter who is just four so, I have to give enough time to my family too. Also doing just one show takes all my time. There is no possibility to take up another one. I like to spend a little time with my wife and my daughter too. After I reach home we do not discuss work at all.”

Adding a sweet anecdote about his daughter, he says, “Last night while returning from work I told her on the phone, ‘I’ll be home just in a while’. She retorted back, ‘But dad you are still on television’.”

On the career front, he says that currently he is not thinking about the big screen.

Not having done any “happy go lucky” kind of roles, he says, “Unfortunately or fortunately I fit into a bracket. Actually, I was offered something different from the kind of roles I do but that did not go on air. However, you cannot put me in the league of an intense actor. I have my own way of showcasing my potentials. I can easily do fun-loving roles too.

It’s also time to reminisce a bit. “I started 10 years ago. God has been very kind and I have always done big and good shows. Audiences have loved my characters. I believe that there is no particular format to execute your career. All I do is work sincerely and seriously.”

For the younger generation of actors, Iqbal has this to say: “Do not crib about long working hours, put in your share of hard work with all your heart and soul. Yes, it’s true we do have to work beyond working hours but that’s what our profession demands. Everyone in the industry should be happy getting work, which is very important, as so many talented people do not even get the opportunities.”