Actor Eijaz Khan, who broke up with actor Pavitra Punia last year after a three-year relationship, doesn’t need generic affirmations to stay positive. “No bulls**t about being happily single and no statements like ‘I am having the best time of my life’, for me. I would just say that I’m growing and understanding myself more than ever before,” he stresses.

Thankful that “God has been kind” amid what could have been a phase of upheaval for him, the actor says that work kept him focussed.

“At a very crucial time in life, the universe made sure I was busy and working. If I was sitting at home, I don’t think I would be alive by now. I believe that one can overcome any adversity and dark phase in life by aligning it to a better purpose,” explains Khan.

The zeal for growth could be seen in the 48-year-old’s refusal to limit himself to being a TV actor. “That’s the thought I am fighting — breaking the TV image. I did the show Moh Moh Ke Dhaage in 2015, three successful seasons of the web series City Of Dreams. Then I did a cameo in Jawan (2023). Where does a transition in my body of work appear in the audience’s mind?” he says.

Khan is now looking forward to his upcoming film Dhoom Dhaam with Yami Gautam and Pratik Gandhi and will start filming another project “with a top actor” soon.

“These big actors (cast members) call me sir. They don’t have any recollection of me from television. They know me from City of Dreams. They know me from the Tanu Weds Manu franchise. Honestly, it can prove to be a game-changer in my life,” he signs off.