Maverick filmmaker, actor Kamal Rashid Khan knows how to remain politically correct even as he glibly talks like a seasoned politician
Maverick filmmaker, actor Kamal Rashid Khan knows how to remain politically correct even as he glibly talks like a seasoned politician. The man, recently evicted from hit reality show Bigg Boss 3, has learned to handle fame that came his way after his film Deshdrohi made him the talk of town.
Though he is yet to hit the big league in Bollywood, KRK made no bones about the need for 'being practical' to remain in business. A native of Deoband in Uttar Pradesh, Khan chose his words appropriately yet fluently to express his views about the need for minding one's own business until you have the conviction to carry on, in apparent references to some actors turning activists and then doing a volte face.
In a freewheeling chat with MiD DAY, Khan talked about blink and miss romance with Claudia Ciesla, his housemate in Bigg Boss' house, Raj Thackeray's tirade against north Indians in Maharashtra and why he would never apologise to the MNS leader the way Karan Johar did for Wake up Sid.
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I predicted my eviction the day I reached there. I packed only for 21 days and knew I will be evicted. I have a big business to take care of. I could not have stayed for three months there.
In season two it was Rahul Mahajan and Payal Rohatgi and in season three it was you and Claudia.
We were not a couple like Rahul and Payal. I liked Claudia. She was nice girl and used to have fun with her. I told her that I loved her and when she asked me what I can do for her, I stayed hungry for hours. Later, she only offered food to me.
According to you, who will win Bigg Boss 3?
Ideally, Pravesh should win this time. He is young and talented. It will do a lot of good to him. He needs publicity and winning the show will help him get work in the future.
Karan Johar had to apologise to Raj Thackeray for using Bombay instead of Mumbai in his film Wake up Sid. Could you have done a similar thing?
If Karan had not apologised, they would not have allowed his film to be released in Mumbai. It's simple if you cannot stand for what you have done, you will have to apologise. I would have never done a thing because I do whatever I chose to do with full conviction that I am on the right path. If I am doing something I should know the consequences and be ready to face them. It doesn't matter who is ruling in Maharashtra, it is the Shiv Sena and MNS who rule Mumbai. So, one has to follow their diktats.
After Deshdrohi don't you think you should become the voice of those being targeted by the MNS?
Neither I am a politician nor do I aspire to become one. I am an actor and I convey my message through the films I make. While making Deshdrohi I never targeted anyone. I said what I have to say. As an actor, I don't think you can fight a politician. One should mind his own business and do whatever they feel is right. Even Mahatma Gandhi is criticised by some people.
But, some actors have spoken on social issues like Aamir Khan on Gujarat and Sardar Sarovar. Why can't you?
Yeah Aamir had spoken about those issues, but ultimately he had to apologise. What's the point? I believe if you cannot pursue it or don't have the conviction to follow it you must not raise an issue. We are actors and cannot speak the language the politicians use. If you are serious then you should leave acting and join politics full time. I think Raj Babbar is a good example.
What's your message to Raj Thackeray?
I don't interfere in his business just like I will not appreciate his interference in mine. It might be his political compulsions otherwise many of his close associates belong to UP and Bihar.
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