Zeeshan Ayyub Shares How Shah Rukh Khan Inspired Him to Not Quit Acting
Zeeshan Ayyub is known for his impactful character roles. From films like Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Jannat 2 to Raanjhanaa and Raees, Zeeshan has consistently impressed audiences with his performances. During a recent interview with Digital Commentary, Zeeshan reflected on his experiences working with Shah Rukh Khan and shared how the superstar played a pivotal role in his career.
Reflecting on his experience, Zeeshan Ayyub talked about his role as Sadiq Ibrahim, Shah Rukh Khan’s friend, in Raees, saying, “Kuch toh kiya tha uss aadmi ne, badal diya tha andar se. Jab unhone mujhe dekha toh scan kar liya tha ki bohot pareshaan hai aur main tha. I was almost on the verge of quitting acting and leaving, thinking I can’t do this anymore” (He must have done something, he had changed me from within. When he looked at me, he sensed I was very troubled, and I was. I was almost on the verge of quitting acting and leaving, thinking I couldn’t do it anymore).
He shared that he felt typecast in Bollywood and had become tired of playing similar characters. He said, “I was bored of playing the same kind of roles. Then I thought, if I have to sign off, I’ll do it with a film alongside Shah Rukh Khan. At least if I retire, I’ll have a film with SRK. Unhone haath milaya, toh actually negativity nikal gayi thi. I was like abhi toh bohot kaam karna hai. Unhone rok liya and he made sure ki yahan par kaam kar aur sab badhiya hoga” (When he shook my hand, the negativity actually went away. I felt like I still had a lot of work to do. He stopped me and made sure I stayed, telling me, “Work here and everything will be fine”).
Raees, directed by Rahul Dholakia and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Excel Entertainment, featured Shah Rukh Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Pakistani actress Mahira Khan in key roles. Upon its release, the film received positive reviews and achieved commercial success, earning ₹281.45 crore globally.
Zeeshan is set to next appear in Anurag Kashyap’s film, Nishaanchi. This film features newcomer Aaishvary Thackeray with Monika Panwar, Vedika Pinto, and Kumud Mishra in key roles, and it is planned for a theatrical release on September 19.
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan will next be seen in King, directed by Siddharth Anand. The cast also features Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Abhay Verma, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Saurabh Shukla. According to reports, Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff will also be part of the project, which is currently in production.
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