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Eijaz Khan returns to TV with Shubh Vivaah

Sony Entertainment Television's new show Shubh Vivaah marks the comeback of TV actor Eijaz Khan, who had gained popularity thanks to his shows like Kkavyanjali, Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa and Bhaskar Bharti.

In this interview with Rajul Hegde, he explains why he took such a long break from work, talks about his dream girl, and why he will never do a dance show.

After Bhaskar Bharti, you didn't do any fiction dramas. Why?

I wanted a break. Also, I was travelling. I was doing a lot of soul searching in Dharamshala for three months.

When you act continuously, the lines between who you really are and the character you are portraying tend to get blurred. I had to face myself, know what my shortcomings were, the lies I told myself. I had to rectify them.

I don't think I got all the answers, but now I am more aware of things as I have stopped lying to myself. Now it's easier for me to emote on screen.

'Life is something that happens between your plans'

Out of sight is sometimes out of mind. Was it difficult for you to say no to work?

It's a personal choice: if I want to work, I will. I take my work seriously but in no way have I planned out my career.

Life is something that happens between your plans. I have realised and seen that. I have no backup plan but I take life as it comes.

What is your role like in Shubh Vivah?

My role is realistically portrayed. Amrit is street smart and money minded. He is a manipulator, gets his way even if it means tricking people.

My character is a mix of positive and negative. He doesn't want to get married but agrees to marry only because his mother wants a daughter-in-law.

'My dream girl will be very close to Kareena Kapoor'

What are your views on marriage?

I think in India we give additional importance to marriage. I have not made any milestone in my life -- that at this age I will get married or anything. It will happen when it has to happen.

I am concentrating on things I like to do, and right now that is my work. My dad is like my friend and there is no pressure from my family to get married at the moment.

Do you have a picture of what your dream girl should be like?

My dream girl will be very close to Kareena Kapoor. I am smitten by her and I don't know why -- it's happening for the first time in my life. I have never seen an actor or a heroine in that way.

What are your thoughts on working in female-oriented shows?

In television, everyday is Friday. You have to be super efficient because the parameters are so tight. You have to perform in three minutes and two takes.

I don't think it matters whether it is male or female-oriented. If you do good work, you automatically get noticed.

'I don't know how to beg for votes'

Are you in touch with Ekta Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms?

Yes. Balaji is still home ground. I've done 10 years of work in the four years I have worked there.

I worked non-stop for Kkavyanjali because I challenged myself to do that. I have a lot of good friends in Balaji even now and I often drop in to say hello.

As and when Ekta offers me something she thinks is appropriate for me, I would love to do it.

You are a fine dancer but you have never been part of any dance reality show.

I don't know how to beg for votes. I find it odd to stand in front of the judges and act. Somehow I can't connect.

I don't need to prove that I can dance. That might sound arrogant, but I have been dancing from the age of six. Even during stage shows I can perform with just two hours of rehearsals before the show.

'I didn't come back to TV because my films didn't click'

Your role as a Sardar was appreciated in the film Tanu Weds Manu. Why did you decide to come back to television?

I didn't come back to TV because my films didn't click.

Tanu Weds Manu was one of the biggest grossers that year. I would like to believe that I have clicked in my films. That film opened my horizons so much in terms of work and as a person.

It is my choice to do television. I want to reconnect with my primary audience. If an interesting film comes up, I will do both TV and films.

Any films in the pipeline?

I have already shot for Zilla Ghaziabad, a film based on real events, where I play Vivek Oberoi's younger brother.

There is also something interesting coming up very soon that I can't talk about now. I am meeting a few directors and it is encouraging that they recognise my work.