“I have been very lucky with all the shows that I have done,” shares Iqbal Khan, who is winning hearts as Dr Dev Mehta in Hui Gum Yaadein – A Doctor, Do Zindagiyaan. The television heartthrob, who is back on television after two years, adds, “I can’t give credit to myself for whatever I chose. Everything has happened with the grace of God.” During his recent visit to Ahmedabad, the actor talks about how he chooses projects in an era of multiple platforms, why returning to television now feels like a natural decision, and the growing need for strong writers.‘My new show is very different from what people expect’Iqbal, who was last seen on TV in 2023, is glad about his small screen comeback. He says, “My last show (There is no age limit), a big hit, taught me a lot and brought in a new type of audience. I wanted my next project to be just as special, and I got this new show at the perfect time. It’s very different from what people expect. Since about 90% of the show takes place in a hospital, we’ve moved away from typical domestic dramas and kitchen politics to focus on something fresh. It’s amazing to get such wonderful reviews despite the show launching during the peak of a popular cricket league.“‘I’ve learned from past mistakes’Does he choose roles based on specific platforms or genres? Iqbal, who has done OTT shows like Crackdown and Commander Karan Saxena, shares, “I don’t look at things that way anymore. My perspective has shifted; I now treat every role as an art form, simply giving my absolute best to whatever comes my way. While it is natural to want something bigger or better, the truth is that you have to be lucky to keep working in this industry. I feel nothing but gratitude for my career. After nearly 25 years, I realize that very few actors have the power to dictate scripts. or budgets. Most of us depend on the opportunities we are given, and since I’ve been so fortunate, I focus entirely on putting my heart into every project.”He adds, “I am selective. I’ve learned from past mistakes and now avoid platforms that don’t meet a certain standard. My main priority is the reputation and character of the people I work with. I refuse to collaborate with makers who don’t have a good name; it’s difficult to maintain a professional relationship with them. For me, it is about ensuring I’m in a positive environment rather than just taking up any project coming my way. A well-known face or familiar name certainly boosts the initial draw, bringing in a core fan base that tunes in simply because they recognize the actor. However, that advantage is temporary. Ultimately, if the content isn’t strong, even the most loyal viewers will eventually look for something else.”‘TV no longer enjoys the same concentrated popularity’Talking about the shift in viewership and fandom over the last two decades, Iqbal says, “When I started, television was a universal medium that everyone shared. I remember hearing the theme music of my show echoing from every single flat in my building. Back then, we didn’t have so many platforms and there was a real sense of shared experience. Today, the landscape has changed; younger viewers have more options and have moved away from traditional TV. The medium still commands immense reach, but it no longer enjoys that same intense, concentrated popularity. But since it was such a powerful force for so long, actors from that era are still deeply recognized. It remains a vital bridge for the audience, even if the way they consume it has evolved.”‘TV actors have a strong fanbase in Gujarat’ Talking about Gujarat, Iqbal shares, “If you work on television, it is almost impossible not to have a strong fanbase in Gujarat. They genuinely love their TV content. In my current show, my character is a Gujarati man, but we’ve consciously steered clear of turning him into a caricature. To ensure authentic portrayal, I don’t use stereotypical phrases. I have many Gujarati friends, and I know that they speak just like anyone else.“He adds, “Social media is an excellent tool for promotion and visibility, but for me, that is its only real purpose. While some believe that constant online presence is essential for landing roles, I don’t subscribe to that view. Ultimately, I believe it comes down to destiny. Whether someone happens to see you at the gym, on TV, or on social media, these are the channels through which work finds its way to you.”‘Writing needs to be given more importance on TV’On what the TV industry needs urgently, Iqbal says, “We really need to work harder on our content. Writing needs to be given more importance. These days, everyone wants to be an actor, director, or producer, but very few people want to become a writer. Yet, writing is the foundation of any project—if the script isn’t good, the rest is nothing. It is the base of everything we do.”
