I would have made a great spy: Eijaz Khan
Starting as a dancer with Ganesh Hedge’s dance troupe to becoming the heartthrob when the television industry was at its peak, Eijaz Khan has successfully transitioned from television to cinema and OTT platforms. If we first noticed him in Balaji Telefilm’s Kkusum, then he made a place in our hearts with his OTT series, City of Dreams, which was further cemented with the Adrishyam series. And, in the film arena, Eijaz’s portrayal of Manish Gaikwad in blockbuster Jawan did manage to make a lasting impression.
The man, who has won love on reality shows as well feels blessed. “First, I won a geographic lottery because I grew up in Mumbai; then the genetic one – as how I looked was appreciated in the glamour industry when I started. But, as for the rest, I have built it with sheer hard work!”
Eijaz feels he was destined to play Ravi Verma in Adrishyam Season 2. “Starting with Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew back in school, I have always loved watching spy movies. James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, you name it! It’s like all my life I have been preparing for my role in Adrishyam. I truly believe that I would have made a great spy. I just wasted my life studying engineering,” he laughs.
As he reprised his role in Season 2, he shares, “The Invisible Heroes – goes the tagline of our show. Not just that we can’t be seen in public, but I can’t even be true to my wife. That is the character and what a journey it is.”
Eijaz is now all pepped up about his next project, 120 Bahadur. The film is based on the Battle of Rezang La that took place during the Indo-China war. It captures the extraordinary valour and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. “You will be surprised to see what we have done in the film,” he puts confidently.
Open about his life, both personal and professional, Eijaz had in the past talked about the challenges of growing up with a single father. Considering how that’s becoming a norm, we ask him for a piece of advice to single parents and their children. Eijaz thinks hard, “It’s difficult to generalise but yet I will try,” he says earnestly. “To the parents – you are acknowledged, seen and loved. Even if your children aren’t able to understand you now, be patient, they will in due time.”
To children living in single-parent household, he says, “Hang in there, don’t harm yourself. You are special. You are in this situation because you can make it work, it will lead to your exponential growth that may have not been possible otherwise. That aside, I know it comes with some negatives. I am still dealing with those. But it’s your circumstances, and you only can navigate it well!”
Life’s doled out a mixed bag to Eijaz, yet he feels grateful. “People across the world love me, bless me, which a fortune that I value. Mine is an endeavour to work better each single day for my audience.”
On his wish-list is a Punjabi movie. Though he was offered to judge a Mr Punjab show which he politely declined, he wonders why he hasn’t gotten an offer for a Punjabi movie till now. “I would love to act in a Punjabi movie. Get me one,” he says. Besides work, it’s the lure of Punjabi food and Punjabi hospitality he can’t wait to enjoy!
Lifestyle