Manasi Scott and a still from her show

Known for her high-energy stage performances and powerful vocals, Manasi Scott is stepping back into acting with the web show Mujhe Tu Chahiye, a project she describes as creatively fulfilling. For Manasi, the biggest reason for saying yes to the project was director Shankar Srikumar, with whom she shares a long professional association.

“What drew me instantly was Shankar. He had written many of my earlier series and reality hosting projects, so there was already strong trust between us. He once told me he remembered my kindness and had decided he would cast me as an actor when he became a director. That really stayed with me,” she shares.

The project also reunited her with actor Iqbal Khan. She says, “Iqbal was the icing on the cake. He is talented and meticulous with his craft, but what stands out even more is the way he treats people around him.”

While audiences know Manasi primarily as a singer and live performer, she says returning to acting came with its own challenges. “Getting back into acting is not as easy as riding a bicycle. It took me some time to find my rhythm again, and both Shankar and Iqbal made that process easier. But once I settled in, I enjoyed every moment of it.”

Manasi also reveals that performance has been a part of her life since childhood. “I did theatre for years in Pune, and growing up as an Army brat meant constantly participating in school plays across different cities. I even directed my first musical when I was in the fourth standard,” she says.

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.

After going off Instagram in 2021 and returning three and a half years later, Iqbal Khan has once again cleared his feed, archiving all posts a few days ago. The move aligns with the narrative of his new show Hui Gumm Yaadein – Ek Doctor, Do Zindagiyaan, in which he plays a doctor who loses eight years of memory.

Explaining the thought behind the digital blackout, Iqbal says, “It was about involving the Instagram audience in the feeling of suddenly losing what you have built over time. Whether it is relationships or emotional bonds, these are the things that truly matter and are not materialistic. Instagram felt like the best example because there is no monetary connection. It is simply about people and the relationships they form.”

At a time when social media following is often considered a deciding factor in casting, the actor remains unfazed by the pressure to stay visible online.

He says, “I believe that your rozi roti is decided by the one above and by how much effort you put in. In fact, I worked the most during the period when I was off Instagram and was continuously shooting. Today, everyone is so dependent on validation that it becomes scary. I am not dependent on that. Maybe now, if someone is starting out, it is important to be visible so that people know more about you. But when I began my career 20 years ago, the situation was different. People did not need Instagram to know about my work.”

Talking about his return to television with Hui Gumm Yaadein nearly two years after Na Umra Ki Seema Ho, Iqbal says the show stands apart from familiar formats.

He shares, “It is not a typical daily soap or a woman-centric story. It is largely told from a male point of view, but it is driven by emotion. My character gets a second chance in life. After losing eight years of memory, it feels like a new beginning. His slate is clean. He wants to live right, rebuild some relationships, mend others, and let go where needed. The fact that it is male-centric is only a small part. What matters more is the story. It is rare to see television attempt something like this.”

In Lucknow recently as a chief guest and mentor at a creative session in an all-girls school, actor Iqbal Khan shared that the city has held a special place in his heart for reasons more than one. In an exclusive chat with us, the Na Umra Ki Seema Ho actor shared about what all he did in Lucknow and how being a part of the television industry for more than two decades feels like. Excerpts...

I first visited Lucknow to promote my show Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai in 2005. But I hadn’t had the chance to go out and promote it as I was shooting continuously. So, we went to a mall in Gomti Nagar, where a stage was set for the actors of the show. So, when I climbed the stage I saw hundreds of youngsters surrounding the stage and cheering for me and going crazy for me. That’s when I realized that a lot had changed for me professionally as far as stardom was concerned. This realization hit me when I was in Lucknow so definitely this place holds a special place in my heart. Lucknow is a beautiful place to be in. This time since I had some time at hand so I went to Deva Sharif Dargah early in the cold morning and the trip was amazing.

Also, at the school I visited, I was blown away by the sheer talent in the city. The students painted amazing artworks. They were such confident girls, and it was good to interact with them and share my experience with them too. I considered myself lucky that I was invited to interact with the girls, as I myself am a father to two beautiful daughters.

Everybody has their own way of doing things and their own maths and science, but I believe so many shows are going off-air because nobody is really understanding that we have to make shows with emotions. We need to put less of maths in making a television show for it to work. Now there is so much of research on the taste of television audiences, as in what is working and what’s not, whereas there was a time when there was no research and shows were made from the heart and they worked so well. Strangely, because of these researches and surveys, these shows are not able to work and are going off air so soon. This analysis is harming TV shows rather than working for them.

As far as the content is concerned, we do have one or two shows which are nice and change the pattern that people are used to watching. When I had started working on television, the content was really cool. The research done now on the viewing says that the TV audience wants the present content, but I wonder why are the shows not working then.

Working for the TV industry has definitely changed a lot in the decade since I began working. It used to be crazy hours working on TV when I had started working on the medium. Nobody used to go home then which included not only the actors but the whole cast and crew and the producers too. At that time, I used to go home just to take a shower and then come back on set. Now things are much better and streamlined. In fact I haven’t shot for more than 10-12 hours a day for my last few shows and I have also seen the unit packing up at the same time. It has become more disciplined and regularized.

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.

It was a dream come true for popular television actor Iqbal Khan when he was offered a challenging role in a Suresh Triveni-film. Triveni has earlier helmed Tumhari Sulu (2017). But, the icing on the cake was sharing screen space with Vidya Balan.

“Although my role is kick-ass, had he asked me to play a lamp post also, I would have,” said the actor, who became an overnight sensation after his television soap Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai became a hit.

Jalsa, set to hit theatres in 2022, is a hard-hitting drama that studies the different classes of society, and it is this story that finally sealed the deal for Khan.

“It is a powerful, unique and edgy tale of mighty characters and trying circumstances, and Suresh Triveni is too good to say no to,” said Khan, adding, “I always wanted to work with Vidya. Doing a film with her and being directed by Suresh is like sone pe suhaga. Vidya is like a human dynamo. The energy she brings to the sets is unparalleled.”

Iqbal Khan quit Twitter last year and this month, he quit Instagram too, as he says he didn’t have much to say. “There is nothing out there for me. I realised writing a post was not making a difference. Moreover, whatever happens on the internet is not the real mood of the country,” says the actor. He doesn’t feel the need to work on struggle to increase number of followers like others.

Explaining his reasons, he says, “I am a private person and I don’t have lots of things to say, especially what people are looking for. I usually post what I want to and I am an actor but I can’t act on Instagram. There is nothing out there for me. You can’t express your opinion on social media. I also don’t get why people doing charity would want cameras to follow them? Making videos while getting vaccinated is fine as celebs are asking others to get jabbed like them. Par jo nakli hai woh dikh jaata hai. In today’s times, people are judged for a silly post, even if they are a good person. It is our moral responsibility to be a little sensitive at this time. Flaunting privilege on social media is insensitive like many celebs posted their vacation photos.”

With two lockdowns, the second wave, Khan admits that he is not concerned or worried about anything in life as he feels, “We have to get the message loud and clear now that nothing is in our hands! We can do our best with what we have and the rest - lockdown, rising cases, Coronavirus, work etc is in God’s hands. Do our best and wait this out.”

“Almost everything has opened up and people are doing everything now. They are eating in restaurants, even street food, going to parks, jogging, gyming, visiting markets, toh theatres ne kya kiya hai?” questions Iqbal Khan, who went to see a film in a theatre recently.

The actor shares that he had a great experience as the theatre owners had taken good care of santisation and social distancing protocols. “Theatre has 50% occupancy and one can have a safest and enjoyable experience. They sanitise after every show and don’t allow food in the theatre but one can eat in the food court. Interval is extended, so one has enough time. I heard the Hollywood film Tenet’s tickets were sold out for many shows,” says the actor, whose web show, Crackdown, this year, was well-received and he recently shot for another show in Mussoorie.

Ask him if big-budget and star-driven films will bring more people to theatres and he says, “I am a supporter of good films. They will get people in. The joy of watching a film on the big screen in theatres is unparalleled. I saw the trailer of Sooryavanshi and I felt that this is a film I would want to watch in the theatres. We have seen a number of films release on OTT this year, and that is great, but nothing beats the magic of theatre. You see, while the creative freedom makers get on OTT and the content-driven stuff created for the platform is awesome, cinema is a visual medium and one can only experience that in theatres. Yes, OTT is huge but that won’t diminish the appeal of theatres,” he says.