Shehzad Shaikh started his acting journey years back with Qubool Hai on Zee TV, and has recently returned to the channel in the crisp role of Shantanu Shukla, the hotelier with huge aspirations in Zee TV’s popular show Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan, produced by Dreamiyata Entertainment.

Not many know that Shehzad carries an acting legacy, under the surname ‘Babi’, which he has never utilised to gain fame in his career. Wondering what we are saying? For the uninitiated, Shehzad Shaikh is the grandson of the talented actress Parveen Babi, with his mother coming from the Babi family.

Talking about his lineage, Shehzad says, “The problem with my family and me is that in my family, there was a baby who set the standard and bar so high that it might take me an entire generation to achieve what she did. Yes, I am the grandson of Parveen Babi. She was a relative. My mother’s name is Arsha Babi. But I never used my surname for any sort of recognition in the industry. Whatever I have gained today is through my hard work and efforts.”

Recalling his debut with Qubool Hai 12 years back on Zee TV, Shehzad states, “It feels good to be back on Zee TV. I worked with the channel 12 years ago on Qubool Hai. It is absolutely amazing to return with Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan. It seems like life has come a full circle.”

On how his work profile has evolved over the years, he states, “My work profile has evolved heavily over the years. I did not take the shortcut; it was the long road to be walked. After Qubool Hai, I did a feature film. I shot in Budapest, and had the best learning curve I could have asked for. Having said this, life was not very kind to me. I lost two years while trying to do the film. I returned to television with Bepannaah. I made sure that I understudied with the best, and had Harshad Chopda and Jennifer Winget. Later, I found myself on Star Plus with Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, where I spent three beautiful years.”

“Eventually, I graduated to main lead roles. My first show, Sindoor Ki Keemat, as the lead, was for Dangal TV. I am so proud that we finished 500 episodes. The show was later shown on Star Plus as Shaadi Shartein Lagu. I had Mehndi Wala Ghar on Sony TV, after which I had Zyada Matt Udd last year. I feel so blessed to return to Zee after a long run,” he says.

On his role in the show, Shehzad quips, “Shantanu is like Jeremy Allen White from the show The Bear. He is going to make sure that Ganga Mai and her daughters move to the next phase of their journey, where they go from a village to the town, to hotels and restaurants, etc”.

Ask him about the significant change in the existing dynamics between Siddhu and Sneha, with his arrival, and he is quick to say, “Siddhu and Sneha have a lovely love story, and have given amazing performances. Whatever my character does, I hope he can add to the journey, add to the show and be a part of the change in dynamics in a graceful manner.”

Sharing his thoughts on working with Dreamiyata Entertainment, he says, “Working with Ravie Dubey and Sargun Mehta is an absolute pleasure. I am in absolute awe of how they have been able to set up and produce their shows in Chandigarh. It is one of the finest setups I have seen all my life. I have amazing respect for both of them. I am grateful that they trusted me with this character.”

On the career lesson learnt over the years, Shehzad avers, “Learning never stops. When you think you know it all, you are back to where it all started. My acting style, the way I approach my work, has changed and evolved over the years, thanks to working with great Directors, Producer and DOP teams.”

Lastly, on the expectations he has, he is honest when he says, “I don’t have any expectation for any role. Whatever is written will be done. However, if someone asks me what the end of my journey is, it is to win the Oscar. I want to be remembered for the legacy that I will leave behind.”

Best of luck!!