Adnan Khan, who plays Kabeer in Zee TV’s Ishq Subhan Allah, speaks with Chanchal Goyal about how he is similar to his character, fitness regime and upcoming projects

What is the one thing you like and dislike about your character?

What I like in Kabeer, is that he is brave. However, in real life it is not possible to face every situation bravely. What I dislike is his inability to question things. He is too strict about his ideologies and doesn’t want to change at all.

Do you share any similarities with your character?

Yes, I have a lot of similarities. The biggest one is belief in my faith. I pray everyday. I am a family man just like my character.

Which co-actor you share most cordial relations?

Obviously Esha for now, since I have spent two years working with her. I  have done a lot of romantic scenes with her. Maybe I can answer this question better after I have spent equal amount of time with Tunisha too.

How did the shift from a management student to an actor happen?

Though I was pursuing my Bachelor in Business Administration, I was clear that I was not made for nine to five job. I wanted to do something creative. I used to create visuals in my head try on how to make better ads. Having said that due to my family circumstances I had to work. I was not satisfied with my job so I switched to other jobs but nothing sat well with me. There was something missing in every job I took. I decided to try my hands in anchoring. I got selected for ZEE TV’s travel show in Dubai and reached the finals. But after that there were no options. The journey was not easy. But since now I am here playing Kabeer, I believe all the efforts were worth it.

Did you prep to become an actor?

I did not prepare anything for acting. I thought that it is the easiest job on the planet! You have got a few lines and you just have to narrate them. I thought that there was no need to join National School of Drama for three years, a three-month training workshop would be more than enough. When I stepped into the field, I realised that I have entered a dark ocean. There is no end to learning. I had given a lot of auditions and failed many times. But what has worked is that I kept trying.

What kind of roles do you want to play?

I want to play a dark characters. Though I am already trying to give Kabir a grey shade, but still I would like to explore more grey characters.

From Arjun on Star Plus to Kabir. How has been your journey?

The journey has been a long one. I have seen a lot of ups and downs. Now I feel that I am at a stable stage. I work with the same energy that I had in 2013. The more you work the more you can get better. Back then, I thought acting is tough but now I feel it is much more difficult than I thought it to be. But my approach towards acting has remained the same. I still find it  beautiful and difficult.

The journey is a test of your character. At times you will feel so demotivated because of all the rejections that you had to go through. People tend to lose path during this phase. Some may get addicted to drugs while others will engage themselves in parties to forget the bad times. Fortunately, because of my mother, faith in God and friends, I didn’t lose my goal during any of the hard times.

What does fame mean to you?

I don’t take fame too seriously. But yes my social media account got verified recently. I felt happy.

Which role was the most challenging for you?

All of them were equally challenging. All the roles that I played were different from each other. But to mention one, it can be Ramesh from Khade Hai Teri Raahon Mein on Hotstar. For this role, I did a lot of rehearsals and mock shoots. I performed well in the auditions but was unable to justify the character during the shoot. It took me two day to get back on track.

Can you share your fitness regime?  

I have a small gym in my room. There is one elastic band, one skipping rope,  one pull up bar and two dumbells. I sleep for five-six hours and spend the rest of the time in shooting and working out. This may not be the best shape I have been in but I am fit. I never miss my work out sessions.

What fitness tips would you like to give out to the youngsters?

Don’t make excuses. If you have decided to work out, make time for it and do it whole heartedly and not because someone else wants you to do it.

What are your upcoming projects?

I write scripts and recently sold one for a film based on Mixed Martial Arts. I believe we will win an Oscar for it. I will also be acting in it. I am trying my hand at direction as well and have written a short filmin which I will act as well.