An actor that’s from a political family comes with double the challenges, shares Zaid Khan

With the Kannada romantic drama Cult set to hit theatres on January 23, actor Zaid Khan says the film marks both a creative leap and a personal statement about the kind of cinema — and career — he wants to pursue.

‘The character has three different shades, and that pushed me as an actor’

Zaid says Cult stood out because of the range it demanded from him as a performer. “My character has three different shades, and that pushed me to take up the script,” he says, adding that the role tested him in unfamiliar ways. “This is the first time I’ve dubbed for myself in a film, and it definitely was a challenge,” he says. The actor credits director Anil Kumar for giving him the confidence to take on the project. Introduced through Yash, Zaid says the meeting was decisive. “After my first film Banaras, I was very clear about who I wanted to work with next. Anil came to me with Cult, and I immediately knew this was my film,” he recalls.

‘There was no stardom on the set’

Zaid, who’s been friends with Rachita Ram for a long time notes that she never brought her stardom onto the sets. “That made performing scenes with her very easy,” he says. Malaika Vasupal, whom he got to know closely only through the film, impressed him with how quickly she understood and embodied her character.

‘My father’s political career doesn’t define me as an actor’

Zaid is candid about the scrutiny that follows him. “Being from a political background can be an advantage, but it also comes with a lot of challenges,” he says. But, he’s firm about keeping films and politics separate. “I am certain that cinema is what I want to continue doing, and I will not get into politics.” Zaid also addresses the criticism his father often faces online. “He gets conscious in front of the camera and his Kannada is weak, but that does not make me any lesser as an actor,” he says.

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