Cezanne Khan the talented actor who came in as a fresh breath of air, spreading the love with Kasautii Zindagii Kay years back, was missed on the Hindi TV circuit. This year seems to be a lucky one for the fans of Cezanne Khan, as they finally got to see their favourite on the screens again.
Cezanne Khan sports a romantic avatar in Colors’ popular and long-running show Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki. He has stepped in to play the role of Harman Singh opposite Rubina Dilaik.
In a candid and frank conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Cezanne Khan talk of his comeback with Shakti, his phase of hiatus, and the roles that he would like to don.
Excerpts.
How did Shakti happen? Did it involve a lot of thinking or was the decision made instantly to make a comeback with this show?
When it came to me, and when my character was narrated to me, I found it interesting. Of course, it involved a lot of thinking as it was my comeback show. But I loved this role, so had to take it up.
What kept you away from TV all this while?
(laughs). The kind of work I wanted to do did not really come up. What was coming up was not what I wanted. They were mainly reality shows, and I don’t like many of the reality shows. The roles I liked to do were not materializing, I don’t know for what reason. I had a lot of hits and misses, and what I got was not what I wanted to do. All this kept me away for a very long time (smiles).
You have maintained great levels of fitness over the years. What’s the secret behind it?
There is no secret as such yaa. I don’t know whether you guys know it or not. I simply love eating. Eating has never been something that has been comprised upon. Over a period of time, I have, however, learned to control it. I think you can be fine in the day times, but post evening, you need to slow down with what you eat. If I have a trick for fitness, this will be it. I applied this and I also work out quite a bit. I am very fond of cardio. To tell you more, for the last four to five years, Cardio has been my main exercise to keep fit.
What are the changes for the good and bad (apart from the shoot amid corona) that you have observed now in the TV industry?
Honestly speaking, technology has changed quite a lot over the years. The camera angles, the positions, and a lot more, surely for the good. Apart from that, I am not lying when I say that everything is absolutely the same. Obviously, the Corona time has really killed all of us. It is not a good time to shoot at all. But work has to happen. So everybody is being careful and trying to do their bit.
Have you been following TV over the years?
No, not at all. My mom is a TV buff. She cannot stay away from the TV. She watches a lot of stuff on TV. I do watch, but I am more into English shows. Frankly speaking, I have never watched my show too, even in my earlier phase as an actor.
What is your take on OTT?
I think it is a fantastic platform, it is something new. It works for me, I must say. I like the content they have. The only issue for me, even when I am watching the English shows is that they have the new seasons coming after a year and more. I cannot fathom this. This is a no-no for me. I am very fond of watching. But I make sure that I watch all of them together. I have liked Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother etc. I have watched everything. So yes, the OTT platform is a medium where you can be your own self, and be natural in acting. I think with experience, people have adapted to the seasonal formats. But I still have a problem with that.
How easy or tough is it to get into the skin of a character played by a different actor?
Honestly, I would not know that. When I entered Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and was briefed about the character, I was specifically told not to watch the previous episodes, especially the ones which had Harman. So I don’t know what the earlier actor did. With what was briefed to me, I did it my way. Every actor has his/her own style. So I deliberately wanted Harman Singh to look the way I wanted him to. I have not watched a single episode of Shakti earlier. I have played the role my way. I hope people like it.
What do you like about your character Harman?
Oh!! I simply love this guy. He is a super-romantic person. He is hard on the outside, but very soft from the inside. There are different shades to him, and I am trying to get them opened up slowly. I am enjoying playing this character. He has this emotional connect with his mom, his dad. He has an attitude where he does not care about the people outside his life. With Saumya, he is at his romantic best. With time and with scenes coming in, I hope I do justice to all of Harman’s shades.
How is it to shoot with Rubina?
It has been really nice. It did not feel like I was out of place. When I met her for the first time, she told me, ‘Don’t worry, we will make you feel at home’. And this is actually what she did.
How have your fans reacted to your return?
Oh, they have loved it. I have been getting warm messages. After every episode, in fact, they have told me specifically what they liked in it. My fans feel I have made the right choice by making my comeback with Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki.
What kept you busy all these years?
There have been a lot of things. I have always been a happy person, and have never felt that if there is no work, you cannot enjoy life. So I have been enjoying life all this while (smiles). I am a guy who loves to roam around the world. Yes, a lot of other work has also happened while I enjoyed life. Many people would have wondered what I have been up to. But touchwood and by the grace of God, I have been financially well-placed. I never had to take a hit on that. I was waiting for the right work. Now that this came up, I liked it and took it up.