SHAHEER TALKS ABOUT WHAT SUCCESS MEANS TO HIM

Actor Shaheer Sheikh talks about his definition of success and why he loves costume dramas

From a collegiate in Navya.. .Naye Dhadkan Naye Sawaal and a businessman in Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi (KRPKAB) to the mighty warrior Arjuna in Mahabharat, Shaheer Sheikh has essayed varied roles and successfully at that. The softspoken actor who has been in the news for his next project, the TV adaptation of Mughale-Azam, talks about his penchant for costume dramas, his love for old Hindi films and his definition of success.

Reportedly, you have been signed the TV adaptation of MughaleAzam and will play the role of Prince Salim. Is it true?

I can’t say anything as of now. I am still in talks with the producers. Let’s wait for an official announcement.

What is the appeal of costume dramas for you?

After Mahabharat, KRPKAB was a simpler storyline, which I loved back then. I had to deliver emotions but there was no physical preparation needed in terms of costume, language or body language that a costume drama — be it a historical or a mythological needs. In Mahabharat, we worked very hard to prepare ourselves as you have to be convincing in the character. A role in a contemporary daily soap doesn’t demand that much from an actor. I love putting in that extra effort because if work is easy for me, it’s not challenging enough. I remember, post shoot all the actors would go back home and we would realise the bruises we got all over our bodies and the various degrees of pain in our arms, back or legs. It’s a different kind of fun.

What do you think of the movie, MughaleAzam?

It’s one of my favourite films and one of the best movies ever made in Indian cinema. I love watching old movies and am a fan of movies such as Pakeezah (1972) and Mughal-eAzam (1960). Every frame of the film (Mughal-e-Azam) is magic and the performances by Dilip Kumar saab and Madhubala are phenomenal. I especially love the scene where they talk while holding the candle. It is sheer poetry.

You have made a name for yourself in TV. In Indonesia, too, you have starred in movies and TV shows. What does success mean to you today?

At the end of the day, success for me is when my family is happy and proud of me and I am able to take care of them. But all they want is for me is to come back home to Jammu. I think popularity comes and goes and is never permanent for anybody. But if I am there for my family when they need me, I will feel like I have achieved success in life. I want to give them a happy life and be a good son to them.

Every frame of the film (MughaleAzam) is magic and the performances by Dilip Kumar saab and Madhubala are phenomenal SHAHEER SHEIKH, ACTOR