PremiumExclusive: Did Crackdown 2 actor Iqbal Khan reveal that there will be a second season of Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai, Pyaar Ko Ho Jaane Do?
Actor Mohammed Iqbal Khan, who was recently in the spotlight with Crackdown 2, wishes to direct a movie one day. Check out other interesting revelations made by the actor here.
Actor Mohammed Iqbal Khan. (Image Credit: Pinterest)
Last Updated: 08.56 PM, Jul 27, 2023
Be it working in romantic series or action shows – actor Iqbal Khan is indeed a versatile personality. Those who know him well often hail his performances in television shows Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai, Pyaar Ko Ho Jaane Do and Dil Se Dil Tak.
We candidly spoke with the actor, who recently grabbed headlines after delivering a terrific performance in JioCinema’s show, Crackdown 2.
Q: Congratulations on the success of your latest web series, Crackdown 2. It is earning immense praise across the world. Tell us what is the secret behind the success of this web series. Why did you decide to be a part of this series?
Answer: It is a big a** action show. It is directed by Apoorva Lakhia. He loves shooting big action shows and films. To be honest, my stint in web (OTT) actually started with him. Not only this, but he is also a senior from my school. He is really a helpful fellow. He really takes care of people who he knows. He wanted me to be a part of this show and that’s how I came on the set of Crackdown.
From Crackdown to Crackdown 2, it has been a lovely journey. I’m really happy to be a part of it. My character is not like any other regular character. There are a lot of graphs in my character. And, as an actor, it is a good thing to be a part of such a project.
Q: Who was your favourite costar on the set of Crackdown 2 and why?
Answer: All of us had a great time on the set of Crackdown 2. We are like a bunch of mad people. Everybody. From Saqib Saleem to Shriya Pilgaonkar to everybody... Apoorva kept us strong together.
Q: We know that you have been a contestant on Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6. Interestingly, these days, Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 13 is streaming online. Do you still watch the show? If yes, who is your favourite contestant? Also, are you still in touch with the host of the reality show, filmmaker Rohit Shetty?
Answer: No. I’ve not been in touch with anyone and I’m not watching the latest season.
Q: What content do you like watching on the internet these days? Anything, in particular, you like to browse?
Answer: I’ve been working non-stop for more than a year now on various projects. I work 20 days a month and get 10 days (for relaxation) at home. These 10 days are spread across the month, and I usually don’t get them together in a pack. During these 10 days, I like to spend time with my family.
Sometimes, my wife and I sit down together and watch a couple of shows. However, I cannot name a particular show specifically. I have two kids; one is a 1.5-year-old and the other one is an 11-year-old. So, most of my free time is occupied by my kids.
Q: Crackdown Season 2 can be viewed on JioCinema. Tell us whether the existence of OTT will guarantee a future of Indian Cinema. What is your take on the OTT versus cinema debate?
Answer: See, OTT has affected the business of cinema (or theatrical releases) to a certain extent. There is so much content on OTT. I feel the cinema-going experience must be big in general and only then can people feel compelled to spend money at the theatres.
There are so many films, featuring big stars, and they have just opened with a meagre Rs 8-10 crores. On the other hand, filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s film, Oppenheimer, opens with Rs 14 crores in India. A Tom Cruise starrer film opens with Rs 12.5 crores in India. So, people will spend money on tickets only if they get to watch something big on screen.
Q: Recently, a news report claimed that Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Mission Impossible 7 together collectively have collected Rs 100 crores in India. Are Hollywood movies affecting the business of Indian movies at the theatres? Will Hollywood overpower Bollywood?
Answer: No, not at all! Hollywood can’t overpower Bollywood. British left us a long time ago!
Q: Social media plays a great role in a celebrity’s life. What is your take on it?
Answer: I’m not on social media and I’m doing absolutely fine. It is a personal choice. I don’t want to put anything on social media. I think it’s best ki kaam karo aur ghar jao.
Q: Apart from featuring in web shows, you are a great television personality. Is there any show or series of yours you want to remake or desire to have another season of it?
Answer: In 2005, I did a show called Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai. It is a story of a rock star and a girl from a small town. I feel that Season 2 of this show should come up.
Also, there is a 2015 show called Pyaar Ko Ho Jaane Do. I strongly feel that Season 2 of this show should come up as well.
Q: Is there any filmmaker you aspire to work with in the future?
Answer: Yes, plenty! Suresh Triveni, Imtiaz Ali, Vishal Bhardwaj, Habib Faisal, and Aanand L. Rai are among those on my list.
Q: You have worked in television shows, theatrical movies as well as web shows. Is there any other creative type of project/field you wish to explore? What do you plan to do in the future ahead?
Answer: I wish to direct a movie one day. For the cast, I will hunt for nice human beings. I don’t know what the project will be about, but I hope it has a divinity touch to it.
And that's a wrap of the splendid interview!