Iqbal Khan

Nine months is a long time for a television actor to be away, but Iqbal Khan’s popularity hasn’t dipped after his sabbatical.The former blue-eyed boy of Balaji has made a comeback in a whole new avatar with Chhoona Hai Aasmaan on STAR One...

How does it feel to be back?

Feels really good. I needed this break. I honestly don’t feel that it’s been as long a break as I would have wanted it to be, but then it has been definitely long, given the normal television standards. I am just happy that I am back to doing what I am best at (smiles).

Even during your sabbatical, you were mired in controversies. Your mentor Ektaa Kapoor threatened to drag you to court for having signed a serial outside her banner…

I am vaguely aware about something like this that came out in the newspapers, but I don’t know anything about any controversy. I shot for Chhoona Hai Aasmaan as per schedule and now it is on air.

So, no problems with Ektaa?

Not that I am aware of.

Coming to Chhoona Hai Aasmaan, what is your role in the serial?

I play Abhimanyu Singh, an Indian Air Force pilot. The character believes in living by some principles in life and is willing to go to any lengths to uphold his principles, even to the point of being rigid on many occasions.

The promos look similar to Saara Akaash which was also a Miditech production…

I really don’t think so. The only similarity between Chhoona Hai Aasmaan and Saara Aakash is that both the serials are centred around the Indian Air Force.

A couple of episodes have been aired. What has the reaction been like?

A lot of positive reaction has come in. We are now waiting to see what the TRP ratings have to say.

Does it bother you that Chhoona Hai Aasmaan is on STAR One and not on the more popular STAR Plus?

STAR Plus has a different programming line-up. Their prime-time slot is predominantly family drama, something which Chhoona Hai Aasmaan is not. The serial is best suited for STAR One.

Are you doing anything else on TV?

No. Chhoona Hai Aasmaan takes up all my time.

What if a Balaji serial came calling?

I am happy just doing Chhoona Hai Aasmaan as of now.