Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub On Facing The Brunt For His Political Opinions: There Was A Phase When People Were Afraid To Work With Me

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is not just an actor but also a person who has never shied away to voice his opinions on social media be it on social issues or politics. He has also faced the brunt for putting forward his opinions and it has affected his career as well. But no matter what people say, it has not let him down. He has always believed in his talent and craft. The recently released Hansal Mehta's 'Scoop' has added yet another feather to Zeeshan's cap. He has yet again wowed the audience with his character of Imran Siddiqui. His character is someone seeing whom we get a reflection of Ayyub's real-life persona-so vocal and opinionated. 

Recently, Garima Das of Outlook had a conversation with the 'Tandav' actor where he spoke about facing the brunt for being forthright in expressing his political beliefs on social media. 

Zeeshan said, "Two years back people were actually... that is why I would love to mention to you that there was a phase when suddenly people were afraid to work with me as they thought, 'pata nahi ye kya bolta hai, kya karta hai. Inse bach ke rehna hain' and all those things. Hansal was one person who said, 'tu pagal hai kya? Tu itna kamal ka actor hai. Aisa ho hi nahi sakta. Karenge hum kaam'. Another person was Sameer Nair. These two people said they will work with me and whatever I say is my personal thing. They said, 'you are voicing your opinion and it shouldn't affect the kind of work you are doing'. So, Sameer Nair offered me 'Bloody Brothers' and Hansal asked me to give him five-six months as he was working on something and he would get back to me. And then he offered me 'Scoop'. I will always be grateful to these two people especially and also Mukesh Chhabra. He also met me during that time and heard what I was going through. Two-three people backed out after signing me as they were afraid to work with me. Mukesh asked me not to worry and helped me get 'Scoop' and one more project. These people really helped me to come out of that and having said that I wanted to say things publicly right from the beginning.''

He further said, "I have always been that person who used to voice my opinions and do street plays. I have been from that culture. So, when I was saying things I knew that I have to face the brunt. I was not a fool to not know that it wouldn't affect me. I can't compromise on my principles and basic humanity for money or for work. I knew that there will be people who will work with me for my work and talent not for my political opinion. So, ya, I knew and I faced the brunt and I am still facing it. Last year has been magical. I worked on seven projects which was the maximum I have worked ever. I got the opportunity to work with the ones I always wanted to on some really good projects."