He has spent over two decades navigating the bylanes of the entertainment industry with television shows, films, and web shows, but it was only around 2014, that Iqbal Khan says he truly began to take his craft seriously. Looking back at his career, the actor shares that he was “blessed to receive good work”, even as he continues to evolve. He returns to the small screen after three years with Yaadein - Ek Doctor Do Zindagiyaan, an adaptation of the Italian hit DOC, where he plays a surgeon dealing with eight years of memory loss. In conversation with mid-day, Khan reflects on starting from scratch, embracing change, and how the show’s emotions will make it relatable and drive audience connection, irrespective of the perspective from which it is told. Excerpts from the interview.

Since it is an adaptation of an Italian show, which has also been remade in the US, [I was] curious. Though not for reference, just for the feel [of it], I have watched a few episodes of the Italian version.

In life, you don’t often realise when you are starting from scratch. At the time, it will be very difficult, and it has to be so. Because hardships bring wisdom. It’s during difficult times that you learn. It humbles you and sometimes you change for the better.

There have been a few shows like that, for example Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and Wagle Ki Duniya. Hui Gumm Yaadein will be a new addition to that list. I don’t see any reason why people will not accept it. Because our primary motive is emotions, which, in my personal opinion, is universal. Sometimes it breaks the barrier of languages also. As long as the emotions in the show are bang on, it will not be lost.

I’ve realized that I’m very objective about my work. I only started appreciating my craft maybe 2014 onwards. While I was okay back then, now I make sure that the performances are more real. When I take up a show, I tell the makers that I will not go over the top. And I don’t compromise on that. Luckily, this show is also all about being real.

I think a lot of content has not changed on TV. I feel, 20 years ago, we were more progressive. However, God has been kind to me. Whatever work I’ve done on TV has always been good and progressive. But I take zero credit for it; things just happened.

Whatever shows I have done, I have not had much of a problem. But if one has to weigh both, there’s definitely more creative freedom in OTT. I cannot do both at the same time. If I’m doing OTT, I don’t do TV, and vice versa. Both require time and commitment.

I don’t think about it. I’m a firm believer of magic. So, no matter what the world thinks, whatever is their math or science, it doesn’t matter. It’s not in my hands.