Shehzad Shaikh, who first gained name and fame with Bepannah, is happy to have entered the long-running STAR Plus show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
“It is a challenge playing a character already essayed by others (Rohan Mehra and Rishi Dev) before me. Hence, for a while, I kept the same flow by studying their mannerisms, to prevent a sudden change. But yes, over time I will slowly bring my own personality to the fore as Naksh. I want to portray him as the idealistic son every desi family wants to have.”
Talking about Bepannah, he says, “This Cinevista offering really brought me onto centre-stage. After Qubool Hai, I had taken a break to prepare myself for films and hence was a perfect fit for the part of Arjun Hooda. I am glad I could assist Harshad Chopda, who won many awards courtesy his stint as Aditya Hooda.”
When asked about its ending, Shehzad quips, “Agreed this limited series did end a bit early. But every good thing must come to an end sooner or later. I too was sad like the fans but then you need to move on.”
“Post Bepannah, it was very important to keep the momentum going and hence when Yeh Rishta happened, I was over the moon. I always wanted to work with producer Rajan Shahi as well.”
He does not subscribe to the theory that it was Harshad Chopda and Jennifer Winget’s decision alone not to move to Voot, which finally spelled the death knell of Bepannah.
“We are mere actors and ultimately it is a combined decision taken in conjunction with the real powers to be, i.e. the channel (Colors) and production house.”
Here, Shehzad smartly deflected the fan ire about the show not starting on time on Colors. “Agreed, some Indian viewers might have missed some episodes due to what you say, but it has been watched all over the world on Voot. Who says Bepannah has ended? Every day it finds new markets; it is now showing in Saudi Arabia, under the banner of MBC.”
Best of luck, Shehzad!!