Sony SAB’s medical drama Hui Gumm Yaadein – Ek Doctor, Do Zindagiyaan, produced by Sobo Films, has officially crossed the milestone of 100 episodes. The cast and crew recently celebrated the occasion on set with cake-cutting and cheer. Leading the show as Dr Dev, seasoned actor Iqbal Khan opened up about his journey, the relentless pace of television, playing diverse avatars on screen, and his thoughts on industry friendships.
Speaking about his approach to acting in television over the years, Iqbal shared how the medium demands constant adaptability. “My approach keeps changing. In a TV show, TRPs decide a lot of things. Keeping all that in mind, as an actor, we need to keep changing the nuances, though the primary characteristic of the role remains the same.”
Reflecting on the fast-paced nature of Indian television, he credited the medium for shaping actors into disciplined performers who thrive under pressure. “Any TV actor will give credit to how we work on TV. There isn’t much time for rehearsals. Not just the actor, it is the same with everyone — writer, director, creative team. Nobody gets much time to do their stuff, and there is no time for prep. You are just a soldier ready to deliver. That’s what television teaches you. I’ve been doing TV for a long time now and have got accustomed to it.”
Recalling some of the fun elements and disguises he got to explore in the show, Iqbal fondly spoke about the character of ‘Ludianwi Baba’. “I liked the disguise of Ludianwi Baba — I could just do any trash I wanted to do! It was a crazy ride.”
When asked about selecting scripts, the actor humbly credited the divine for how his career has unfolded over the years. “I have never been in a space where I have to pick roles. I’ve been lucky that I have been offered good roles. I just give it to the divine for this, apart from the other things that happen in life. I will take zero credit for it; the good roles have all fallen into my lap.”
Offering words of wisdom to newcomers aspiring to make a mark in the industry, Iqbal emphasised focus and purpose over fame. “I would just say that concentrate each day and make sure that you are useful. Make sure that you are aware that you are useful. If it happens through your work, that is amazing — that should be your primary motive.”
Lastly, on the occasion of Friendship Day, Iqbal also reflected on his tight-knit inner circle, sharing that he prefers quality over quantity when it comes to friends. “Friends are important in life, but I don’t have many friends. From the industry, I am close to Maniesh Paul and family, and Sukesh Motwani. Apart from that, there is a close friend of mine, Sutapa Ghosh, who lives in the USA.”
