Fardeen Khan on his comeback, Bhansali & changes in filmmaking

Fardeen Khan has made his comeback on screen after nearly 14 years in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi - The Diamond Bazaar’. The actor is playing the role of Wali Muhammad in the series, which also features Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and Farida Jalal. The series premiered on Netflix on May 1 and has been receiving good feedback. Incidentally, Bhansali, too, had this story with him for the last 14 years.

During a panel discussion at Style Icon Summit and Award, Fardeen opened up about his comeback and said, “It is always wonderful, especially when you have such a long gap as I have. It is a special feeling. Just to be working with this wonderful cast and all this bunch of talent has been very, very special. I promise that I will not take any more breaks from work now.”

The actor admits that he has observed significant changes in the industry after returning to work and said, “Everyone is much more clued in now. You have people who are so much more aware of what they are doing in terms of even the kinds of films that are made, and everyone is just a lot more professional, and that is the biggest difference. They know exactly who they are making a film for. Their audiences are very, very clear, especially with the way these new platforms have been brought in. The audience is pretty clear. So, it is great from that point of view. Technology has come in too, and it is a lot more efficient. Everyone is a lot more professional too. It is much more organized.”

At the same time he stressed on the focal being on telling a story. “As an actor, you are part of that story and it is the whole process of communication.  Inviting everyone to be a part of that process has kind of changed. While earlier, it was very, very centralized, now it is a little more democratic and you get a chance to contribute a lot more. Of course, the workshops and rehearsals are fantastic, amazing.”

Sharing his experience working with SLB, Fardeen said, “What he is doing, through his film, is not a job for him. It is his life. I can’t imagine him doing anything else other than making movies. Every once in a while, you meet people who are masters at what they do, and he is one such person. You try to imbibe some of their energy and you try to think about all the spirits they have allowed to possess themselves doing their work. It is amazing to watch him work. It is like he has got this team of 20-25 ADs, who are all learning, who are all on their journey. So in some ways, he has also got a school going on the set. So, it truely is a magnificent experience. He is very passionate and knows what he wants. At the same time, if he strikes an equation with you, he will invite you into his process and he listens to you. I have never had the chance to work with such an engrossed and passionate filmmaker. I haven’t had many conversations with him besides the movies, pets and giving up smoking and mothers, and work. I have given up smoking. He wanted to give up smoking, so we had a chat about it.”

Fardeen was last seen in ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’ in 2010. After that he took a break from films to be with his family. He was in the news once again in 2016, when he was trolled for his excess weight. The actor worked on his body and chose to return to movies. He now has ‘Khel Khel Mein’ with Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu and Vaani Kapoor, ‘Housefull 5’ and ‘Visfot’ lined up.