Iqbal Khan, who began his career as a film actor more than two decades ago, moved to television. In the coming months, Iqbal will be seen in Jalsa with Vidya Balan and also in a Punjabi film. Recalling his days when he just started with movies like Fun2shh: Dudes In The 10th Century and Bullet: Ek Dhamaka, Iqbal says, “I had dreams like everyone when I came to Mumbai. There were many actors who shot for projects, but the films were never released. Then there were those who got promised a film, but the film did not take off. In my case, I was lucky that my films were released in theatres. Unfortunately, they were released when big films like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Munna Bhai MBBS and LOC: Kargil were released. Obviously, when a superstar’s film releases, it will get more screens than a small film. It was just bad timing. So, after the two films, I waited for almost a year to bag new projects, but nothing happened. I had to make a living out of my profession and make arrangements for my next month’s rent. That’s when I got an offer for a TV show and I grabbed it. The rest is history.” After that, he did several shows as the lead, but today he is happy to balance TV, movies and OTT.

Much has changed in showbiz over the years for the better, Iqbal says. “It’s more professional now and people are clear about what they want, and they discuss the script in detail with you. Also, it’s more content-driven now and makers want to explore newer things with actors. I am enjoying this phase. Filmmakers want to work with good actors and try out new subjects. My film Jalsa has a strong script and it was great working with a thorough professional like Vidya Balan,” he says.

So will TV take a backseat now that he is busy with other mediums? “I can never be thankless because TV has given me a career. I do get a bit disappointed when a good TV show has to change its script because of the ratings game, but whenever that has happened, I have only tried to give it my best and worked with full conviction,” says Iqbal, who has been a part of shows like Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai, Kahiin To Hoga, Chhoona Hai Aasmaan, Waaris, Tumhari Pakhi, Pyaar Ko Ho Jaane Do, among others.

Ask the actor if he feels like life has come a full circle, and he says, “No, I don’t see it as my work life coming a full circle. I love what I do, but I am not in any race to reach somewhere now. I have to earn my bread and butter and, in the process, have a positive effect on people. I want to direct or produce a project someday. But, there is no race to become wealthy or famous. I feel though my initial days were tough in Mumbai, God has been kind to me. There were times when I didn’t have money to recharge my phone or think of eating dal-rice at night, but I am not the only one. Everyone goes through such struggles,” he says.