British actor Hassan Khan on shooting for ‘YHM’ London episodes
Star Plus’ leading fiction ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’ (YHM) recently shot a number of episodes in London, where a number of local actors were used to give it the British edge. As a part of the London storyline, actor Hassan Khan from the UK, was hired for a pivotal role as a gangster.
BizAsiaLive.com caught up with Khan about his stint on the show.
How did you get approached for the role in ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’?
I was approached for the role in ‘YHM’ by casting director Malkit Bharj (Klick Talent Agency). I finished up teaching at school, saw many missed calls and messages saying it was urgent. He told me that the biggest television production house Balaji are casting for their number one show ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’ London storyline and are in search of a strong actor for the role of Don who can speak fluent English and Hindi. He felt there was nobody better than me in terms of looks and ability for this role. I have to go on record and thank Malkit for this opportunity and the confidence he had in me, without him this would not have been possible.
When did you learn that you had been finalised for the role in the show?
I was confirmed for the role within two days of them receiving my pictures and showreel. I was also told that they will be extending my role as they loved my look.
Did you have any apprehensions about playing a negative character?
Firstly I have to say I’m overwhelmed by the response the ‘YHM’ UK fans have given to my character. I didn’t expect a villain to receive so much love. I had no apprehensions about playing a negative character as I always loved my Bollywood villains growing up. This was my small way of enjoying and bringing back the glory days of great villains like Amrish Puri, Amjad Khan, Kadar Khan and Gulshan Grover. However there were apprehensions when I was on set. There was last minute twists and turns being added to my character and storyline. My role was getting increased and taken into various directions, which for me was unpredictable but the joys of being an artist. I was always inspired by great artists of Hindi cinema like Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Nana Patekar, Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and my favourite Irrfan Khan. This role started off one way and ended another which only artists can succeed in playing.
How did you find working with the India team? Were there are any cultural barriers?
Working with Balaji Productions was very rewarding as the India team was like a family on set. You have to understand I had very little knowledge and prep time coming into shoot, I knew about Balaji films but not their TV shows which worked to my advantage as I was able to concentrate on my scenes and relax with everyone in between takes. I had majority of my scenes with Romi, Adi and Roshni. Romi (Ali Gony) was a prankster on set, always trying to make me laugh during shots, great easy going guy; main character Raman Bhalla (Karan Patel) was very generous to me. When eating and chilling on set he made me feel very comfortable and that is true sign of a star in my opinion. When they were leaving, Karan said we need to share screen space together and I couldn’t agree more. I would love to act with him going forward. He’s a fantastic guy. The female cast were all immensely talented, lovely and welcoming- Ishita, Aaliya and Roshni I interacted with most and cannot praise them enough for their grace and warmth on set. Hats off to the hardworking crew everyone from Ekta Kapoor, Neeraj Baliyan, Dhruv, Abhishek, Sandip, Manish to the DOPs and makeup artists for a wonderful production.
The cultural barrier difference I felt was that in London everyone on set is given a call sheet before arriving on set therefore everyone expects the day to run exactly in that order and at that time – Shooting up to four pages a day. Whereas in India it’s a very organic spontaneous way of working, you will be shooting up to ten pages a day non-stop therefore you need to be on standby and ready to jump in and out of scenes all the time. I did a degree in BA Film and TV, an acting diploma in Mumbai (Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares) and worked in West Bengal Kolkatta (The Bongs Again) film as second lead so my experience has made me very comfortable and embrace the cultural differences. Personally I enjoy the Indian set as I love improvising and there is more freedom given for you to perform the character as long as you stay within the context of the storyline.
Will you be doing anything further on YHM back in India?
I’m in talks at the moment to see if there is any further work in ‘YHM’ or other Balaji shows as the feedback from production and directors have been fantastic. They have asked me if I’m interested to work in Mumbai and I will love to so let’s see what happens.
What are your future plans?
I have been acting professionally for the past five years and one thing it has taught me is never to plan the future. Until two weeks back I was teaching autistic children drama, going up for a Indian cab driver role in a German film. Fast forward that I’m on Star Plus’ drama ‘YHM’ playing a don. So going forward I will love to act in TV and dilms be it in India, LA or here. I’m hungry to be a part of good storytelling anywhere in the world. I have the utmost confidence in my ability and believe it’s my time to shine.
‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’ in London episodes continue on Star Plus every day this week.
