‘Ladhood is more than just a teenage comedy’
ACTOR AQIB KHAN DISCUSSES HIS NEW SHOW AND OM PURI
A DECADE after Aqib Khan was plucked from obscurity to star in West is West, the sequel to the comedy classic East is East, the actor is returning to comedy with a lead role in the hit BBC series Ladhood.
The semi-autobiographical series, based on the life of the show’s creator Liam Williams, explores the coming-of-age story of a group of adolescent school friends in Leeds. It was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 before being adapted for television.
“After West is West, I assumed I could get by on comedic timing, but then did nothing but dramas before this (Ladhood),” Khan, 28, told Eastern Eye.
“This is my first comedy after so long. What appealed to me first and foremost is that it’s such a funny British show, high in quality.
“Liam Williams is someone I’ve watched and enjoyed. I’ve been a big fan through his standup routines and sketches. I’ve loved them.”
Ladhood is not a run-of-the-mill crude teenage comedy, Khan said. Its moments of humour are juxtaposed with more serious themes related to growing up in a deprived neighbourhood in the north of England.
He described the show as a “realism comedy”, adding: “I don’t know if that’s an actual term, but it’s how I would describe it. It’s not as slapstick as it can be. It’s one of them shows that will make you laugh, make you feel, make you think and make you laugh again, hopefully.”
The show has often been compared with one of the most popular comedies of the past decade, The Inbetweeners.
Khan acknowledged that The Inbetweeners was “a fabulous show”, but said he was proud that Ladhood embraces representation of ethnic minorities through his character, Adnan Masood. The Inbetweeners had a completely white cast, including its four lead stars.
“I think this representation and this character specifically, is quite important. He doesn’t go through things like hardcore racism, but there is a sort of self-consciousness he has, an awareness of ‘do I need to settle in or do I need to do things differently?’
“It’s wonderful to have that representation. And I think Liam has handled it with a lot of a lot of relevant information and respect.”
In Ladhood, his character is a young Asian in a predominately white community. Khan hopes his portrayal of Adnan as he navigates his relationships with non-Asians will help with community cohesion.
“I think young Asian kids, especially if they live in a predominantly white area, will relate to Adnan because he is dealing with the same things they are,” Khan said. “They’ll probably be happy, have loving friends, but they have to do that little bit extra to help friends understand Asian culture. They may have to be a little bit more patient and understanding of someone’s lack of understanding when it comes to cultural differences.”
Ladhood will come to an end after its third season, which began on BBC Three on Monday (5). Although Khan said he was disappointed the show was ending, he was excited about using its success as a platform to further develop his career.
The Bradford-born actor expressed his desire to potentially follow in the footsteps of Riz Ahmed, Dev Patel and Himesh Patel and head to the US.
“I’ve always felt quite lucky and honoured to be working in England, and doing the jobs I do here, because the British film and TV industry is of the highest quality,” he said. “It [moving to the US] is not something I’ve thought about too much. But eventually, I would like to try my luck there because I feel like I need to go out and annoy some audiences there.”
On Ahmed being an inspiration, Khan said: “When I started my career, even then Riz Ahmed was hot property and all these things he’s gone on to do, he deserved to be doing even back then. But he went out and proved himself in England, he made his own projects.
“He’s basically shown me the way – if I had some dreams or ambitions before, he’s gone on to show me they are achievable. He’s a great inspiration for me and if I could have half the career he’s had, then I would be pleased.”
Prior to landing the role of Sajid Khan in West is West, the then 16-year-old had only acted in one school play. He learned his craft under the tutelage of the late Indian actor, Om Puri, who played his onscreen father George Khan in West is West. The pair’s love-hate relationship was a key part of the film.
Puri was the “majesty of Bollywood”, Khan said, adding that he was fortunate to have worked with the legendary actor. He did not want to “let him (Puri) down” when it comes to his own career.
“He is the reason why I even do this. It was the time working with him that enabled me to be lucky enough to be doing the shows that I have done,” said Khan. “I feel like I can’t let him down which is why I feel like I have a lot more to do. He was brilliant to me, such a great person.
“He is someone who should be admired for what he achieved. He was one of the first recognised Bollywood actors in the West.
“He left an impression on everyone he met because he was always positive. He was loving, open, understanding, respectful and super successful.”