SEHBAN AZIM talks to MUSBA HASHMI about his new show Tujhse Hai Raabta and his acting journey
What is your role all about?
I play ACP Malhar Rane a reserved person who stands by truth and lets his work do the talking. He tries to bind Kalyani’s family. He is the connection between mother and daughter.
What attracted you to this role?
I relate to my character. This was something I wanted to do. Like Malhar, I am the person in my family who tries to keep each everyone connected. I have replied back to my elders. This is what Malhar does in the show.
How has the journey been?
It has been beautiful. I never thought I would be an actor. I was a computer engineer. I was working with Wipro but realised that 9 am to 7 pm job was not my cup of tea. So, I quit and started modelling — did ads and short films. Eventually I got bored of that. I wanted to experience new things, do something which interested me and learn more. That is how acting happened and I got Dil Mil Gaye. Since then you can see the transition in me — from not being able to act to being able to act. It has been a roller coaster ride. Now, there is no stopping. I never set any goals when I came to Mumbai and that is what has worked for me. I did whatever work I got.
What was the challenging part of your journey?
There are a lot of ups and downs in life, be it corporate or acting, all of them have challenges. For me, the challenging part is that sometimes I feel even though I work so hard, there is not enough money. If I would have been in the corporate world, I would have had more money than what I am making as an actor.
I would have got married. But I chose acting. The challenge is I have to live by it. It is the only thing I am fighting for. Initially, I felt why I was even here. These were discouraging thoughts, the good is that it was just a phase that I was going through. I am enjoying my journey now.
Which role came close to you and why?
Each every role that I have played is close to my heart. When you start living the character that you play, you start connecting with them. The best thing I realised being an actor is that in one life I am able to live so many lives and play different characters. In some or the other way I have given my soul to every character that I played. But there was one character that I was not able to connect with, one was a negative role in Ek Hazaron Me Meri Behna Hai, though it was much appreciated, I was not able to give anything of my own to the role.
A reality show that you would like to be a part of?
I have been offered a few, but I don’t think I am made for the reality shows. If I would be able to do something it could be Khatron Ke Khiladi, because the tasks are interesting and challenging. But Bigg Boss is not my thing until and unless I have to earn a lot of money and buy three-four houses in Mumbai, maybe then I can do it. (laughs)
Who is your inspiration?
I haven’t taken any inspiration from anyone when it comes to acting. But if we talk about being a good human being, all my inspiration comes from my father. I have never seen such a humble, nice, simple and a learned man like him. Whenever I meet such people, I connect with them. And then my mother who has raised five kids. She is a teacher and a writer and then comes home and cooks for us. She is a commendable woman. It is hard for me to learn her multitasking skills.
Any actor you would like to work with?
There are so many actors that I want to work with. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Irrfan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan are on my list. Acting is a give and take relationship. A scene will be good when both of the actors — who are sharing the screen space — are good together. But by working with these men, I will get to learn many things.
Any character from previous shows that you will like to play?
I think all the actors have played their role brilliantly and have done justice to their roles. It is a very weird to say that I can play a character better than a particular actor in a particular film. What I can say is: If I had played any of the characters played by others, I would have brought in my style.
What are your upcoming projects?
There is one short film — Soulmate, Adah Sharma is opposite me in that film. It is a simple love story, we have already shot it and will release shortly.