Fahim Shah
A Talk With Iqbal Khan
Mohammad Iqbal Khan is a veteran actor belonging to Kashmir Valley and has been an inspiration to young folks across the country. With many great roles in Bollywood, Iqbal khan has made a success in earning a big name. He has worked for two decades in Bollywood and will continue bringing laurels to the valley.
In an interview with Kashmir Scenario’s reporter Fahim Shah, Iqbal Khan shared his experiences and thoughts.
Fahim Shah: How has been your life journey from Kashmir to Mumbai?
Iqbal Khan: Alhamdulillah… Journey of life has good and bad days always and all blessed by Almighty for a good reason. Sooner or later we realize the purpose of whatever happens in life. I was a student of Srinagar’s Bisco School, then in 1992 I shifted to a Kasouli School and then to Lawrence school Sananr where I participated in a play ‘Karan the Son of Suriya’ and that’s the point it all began. I joined College in Delhi and got exposure to modeling and eventually planned to go to Mumbai worked in some music videos and then made it to a Bollywood movie ‘Kuch Dil Ne Kaha’ Struggle is in everyone’s life and Alhamdulillah my struggle made me learn many good things.
Fahim Shah: What was you motivation and support throughout your journey and what hardships did you face?
Iqbal Khan: My father is always been a very honest man, very honest government servant and Alhamdulillah I got good education and that was my father’s priority. When I passed out my 12th class my father retired from government services and I was about to start a new career in Mumbai and that hit my mind and I sought a career in modeling and support my living and family. That time I didn’t want to be a burden to my parents and also it’s their prayers that I achieved this success.
Fahim Shah: You entered Bollywood in 2001 and you are still working on big screen, what force you consider behind your grand success?
Iqbal Khan: There was particularly no person but my own hard work behind me and when Allah gives us ability to work hard and then only we succeed and victory is indeed in his hands. During my start many people helped me out in one way or other but the chance which actually earned me a name was Sony television’s show ‘Kiasa yeh pyar hai’ produced by Balaji Telefi lms which really worked for me.
Fahim Shah: What are your principles and values for personal and professional life?
Iqbal Khan: In my entire journey I have realized although a bit late in life, that we are answerable to Allah, other will do what they may but we should give our best, we must save ourselves from dishonesty thus saving ourselves from corruption and defeat. Allah is watching and we must have a good social conduct and must do justice with our professions, personal relations, society and ourselves most importantly.\
Fahim Shah: How much do you miss your native place Kashmir and how much are you connected to the Valley or do you feel distanced?
Iqbal Khan: I Love Kashmir, I come every year to meet my parents and in winters they visit my home to escape the harsh winter of Kashmir. I Have many friend in my colony in Kashmir, they all are always connected to me and we hang out together in summer. I don’t feel any disconnect, I have spent my childhood in Kashmir and my childhood friends are still the same for me and I never felt any such disconnect.
Fahim Shah: What will be your message to Youth of Kashmir?
Iqbal Khan: I personally feel that more than actors Kashmir needs lot of intelligent youth and intellectuals who will get Kashmir up economically, politically and socially. Being fair and handsome doesn’t mean you should go for modeling. But the much important purposes could be served to make lives in Kashmir better. And my only advice to the youth of Kashmir is that whatever you are doing do it sincerely, if we fear Allah while doing anything we will surely succeed in bringing up an enlightened and morally upright society.