Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub has hit the ball out of the park with his stellar performance in Hansal Mehta's 'Scoop'. The web series, based on the book 'Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison' by Jigna Vora is a story of a journalist Jagruti Pathak (Karishma Tanna) who was accused of being involved in the murder of a well-known journalist and how she fought for justice. Undoubtedly, Tanna is the protagonist of the show, but it's Zeeshan who is the 'hero' and he too seconds that.
Post the release of 'Scoop', Garima Das of Outlook had a Zoom conversation with the versatile actor who spoke at length as how he is fully utilised on the show, credited Hansal Mehta and casting director Mukesh Chhabra for believing in him and a lot more.
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Here are the excerpts from the interview:
Zeeshan, you have worked with some of the biggest names in the Hindi film industry. But I feel 'Scoop' is something where you are utilised to the T. What do you have to say about it? Do you also feel the same?
I think I am utilised well more than before but I think I still have enough fuel which I need. I think maybe someone like Hansal sir only will dig deeper and will take something else out and something more refined and everything. Though I definitely think that it has pushed me one step towards the kind of work I want to do and this is what Hansal sir also believes in. Yes, I am really glad that someone trusted me so much and gave me this kind of character so dignified, knowledgeable otherwise I was getting roles of a guy who used to make fun around and someone who was full of energy. I am thankful to Hansal sir and Mukesh Chhabra both. Mukesh was the one who was pushing me for this character. So, I am really grateful to both of them.
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When I was watching the show I felt like I am watching a real-life character on screen as you were so effortless. To bring that on screen was it difficult for you as you have to make sure that you are doing it effortlessly? Were there any challenges?
I think that is what our job is as an actor. Obviously, there were lots of effort in that sense like people are noticing the minutest things of my character and honestly, I didn't expect that people will watch my performance so carefully like the way I have changed the walk. In fact, people are talking about my walk. We worked on all the details like mannerisms and everything. But honestly, I didn't expect that audience will notice it that much and write so much about it. I am so glad. I think that is our job as an actor that if your craft becomes invisible and I think that is the biggest compliment I am getting for 'Scoop'. Everyone is saying that they are feeling as if they are seeing a real person on screen. So, I feel really happy that I have reached somewhere.
Imran Siddiqui, your character is shown as someone who won't compromise on his values and principles. He does what he feels is right no matter what. To a certain extent, we can see a reflection of you in the character like how you are in your real life, so outspoken and bold. Did it help you?
Definitely. That was the major reason why I was cast in this role. Hansal sir told me that the same age and class he can bring to the character but for him the main concern was whoever says the lines, there is a chance for the character to be boring because Imran always gives lectures and talks about ethics and everything. After a point, the audience tends to get bored. Hansal sir had the clarity that if someone is telling those lines, then he should tell it with truth and that the other person listening to him should get inspiration from the character rather than getting irritated or bored. They should feel really connected and feel that what the character is saying is true and maybe we should also follow his principles and he should also come out as a hero. The word hero I would use because the protagonist definitely is Jagriti, it's her story altogether. But the response Imran is getting from everywhere, he is the hero of the show. What Hansal wanted to say Imran is the person who is actually holding the flag. He wouldn't let the flag fall on the ground. I am really glad that it worked out well.
