"Are there any other production houses other than Balaji???"

He is one of the most scrumptious actors on television, with zilch attitude to boot. A down to earth Iqbal Khan has a fairy tale story to tell - from rags to riches, but he isn't the kind to cash in on it! Khan, who started off with the silver screen but witnessed a failed career, crossed the threshold of the small screen and today, has a huge fan following, ranging from women to men! On the sets of Kaisa Ye Pyaar Hai, Iqbal talks to Riya V Anandwala about his life before Balaji and his loyalty towards it now! Iqbal poses for us, in his vanity van, where he just gets to chill for five minutes! Let's go back to your childhood. Tell us something about your family. I was born and brought up in Srinagar. I have a sister and two brothers. My sister is now settled in London. My parents are now back in my home town. I did my college from Delhi. But I didn't complete my graduation. Do you regret the fact that you didn't complete your graduation? Well, I don't regret it. I believe that at least the primary education that's graduation is very important, and I completely stand by it. But I guess it was my luck that was with me! Then how did the actor in you come out? Well, it was nothing of that sort; I was never those passionate types. I started off with modeling, and then when I came to Mumbai, I thought of trying my hand at acting. And then I got to do films. You did two films, and then you were no where to be seen, what were you upto? Fun2shhh was my first film, which did no wonders for me and then Bullet followed, which bombed again, so I had nothing at my hand for exactly one year. Was that one particular year very difficult for your survival? Yes, it certainly was. I used to travel in buses, and even walk at times. I remember I would walk from Yari road to Lokhandwala and sometimes up till Juhu also. I was in a hand to mouth situation. Then how did television come your way? Well, I got many offers before Kaisa Ye Pyaar Hai, nut I turned them down! Frankly speaking, I turned down Angad's character too. But I was called again, and then I discussed with my parents about this character, and went for it! Iqbal on his way to the sets of Kkavyanjali! So how does it feel, after getting so much of recognition for a character, which you had almost rejected earlier? Well, it feels amazing and it also proves that you must listen to your parents and discuss grave matters with them! Do you ever get a feeling that you are stuck with Balaji? No, I have never got this feeling, I am really happy with the kind of work I am doing and I have no complains! Did you ever get any alluring offers from other production houses? Are there any other production houses other than Balaji? I see none! Don't you feel like doing different genres? I am doing it in Balaji itself, in Kavyanjali my character is different than what it is Kaisa Ye Pyaar Hai. Were you captivated by any other Balaji soaps, and wanted to be in them? Well, I never did get such a feeling ever. But yes, I really wanted to be a part of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, after the leap. I wanted to be in the generation next. So did you ever express this to your mentor, Ekta Kapoor? No I didn't, and I never will. There was a newspaper, which first carried that I will be a part of the cast, and days later, that I won't, without even confirming it with me. You don't really have a good equation with your co-stars, is it true? No, its not! I have a very good rapport with Gauri, Maya ji, Soniya, its all kool! And what about Neha Bamb? Well, I did have problems with her earlier, but now it's perfectly alright! I don't have much scenes with her now, anyways! We capture Iqbal with the E.P of Kkavyanjali. Iqbal is very friendly with his crew! We heard that you and Amit Tandon had slight friction months back, is it true? Me and Amit. Never!!! I must confess this that Amit is the only friend I have in this industry! You were not really noticed in Kkavyanjali. What's your take on that? Well, Kavyanjali is already a well established show, so my character was not launched in a big way! So are you planning to take on any films after your serials come towards an end? Ekta is very particular about her actors, and I am sure, once these cross the finish line, Ekta will definitely have something equally tempting to offer! Other than serials, I have never said no to films, I have got many film offers once I was in television. But while I am in Balaji, even taking a month's off is like too much to ask for! So let's see what happens. Tell us something about your marriage plans with Sneha? (Reluctantly) Well, marriage is definitely on the cards, when and where is the question. We have been together for sometime now, but let's see what happens. I too have planned for certain things; let's see how situations shape up!