Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub has delivered some fine performances, including in his latest — Hansal Mehta’s web show Scoop, in which he plays Imran Siddiqui, the editor of a daily. Though his work has been appreciated, the actor feels he hasn’t got due credit.

“I deserve better. My potential hasn’t been explored to the fullest. I have a lot more to offer as an actor, but I don’t get that kind of opportunity. I hope I get at least 50% of what I deserve,” he tells us.

Ayyub says that despite giving it his all, he has been sidelined. “Kayi baar gussa aata hai ki aap itna effort daalte hain aur aapko sideline kar diya jaata hai. Frustration bhi feel hota hai. In the last six years, I’ve worked on several projects. But, if you count the number of posters I am on, there will hardly be any... I can’t change anyone’s way of thinking. I can only keep honing my craft and giving better performances,” he says, sharing that things may change if “people who take decisions in the industry start watching and liking my work”.

In an earlier interview, the Tandav (2021) actor revealed that people thought he was out of work because of such long gaps between projects. Does he feel the pressure of being active constantly?

“Agar aisa hota, I would’ve been more active on social media. I want people to appreciate my work, but I can’t put two posts a day. That is not me. I believe work speaks. When your work is good, you will automatically get more opportunities,” says Ayyub, who will be seen next in the film Sam Bahadur.