Exclusive - Faisal Khan: I had suicidal thoughts when I was bed ridden for 9 months after a leg injury
Dancer-actor Faisal Khan, currently seen in the mythological show, Dharm Yoddha Garud, essaying the central character, spoke to ETimes TV exclusively. During the interview, he spoke about how he always wanted to do a superhero show, which he got to fulfill in this one. Faisal also opened up about the phase where he was bed-ridden for almost 9 months, followed by the lockdown and the thoughts he battled during that time. The 23-year-old spoke about why one should never be satisfied in life, his zeal for dance, contemplating taking up another career option and weight loss journey.
With Garud I got that opportunity to play a superhero
As a child I was always fascinated with superhero movies or shows. Like Spider-Man, Superman or our very own Krrish. I would always think, I wish I could fly and have some superpower. With Garud I got that opportunity. I love doing historical and mythological shows as they are very different from our normal life. They make me feel larger than life.
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When I was narrated this character of Garud, I got very excited as my character could fly
When I was narrated this character of Garud, I got very excited as my character could fly. My character had wings. This was the most fascinating factor for me and I don’t think there has been any other show on Indian Television where you have seen any lead character with wings. We operate the wings live and it is fun to watch. This attracted me. My character is powerful yet very innocent.
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Faisal on being bedridden for 9 months
When a dancer injures his leg, it is like a horse breaking his leg as he is not able to move and do anything. I couldn’t do anything during that time and I was bedridden for 9 months. It was a very tough period. I was having so many thoughts running in my mind and negative thoughts because I was spending my 12 hours being awake on the sofa or bed doing nothing. Agar koi bhi Aise situation mein hoga toh Uske dimaag mein negative thoughts aayenge. I was having suicidal thoughts during that time.
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The accident phase and the entire 2-3 years were very tough for me
The moment I started recovering, lockdown happened and again I was stuck at home. I was so used to staying at home for the 9 months that lockdown was nothing new for me. The accident phase and the entire 2-3 years were very tough for me.
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I wanted to give my family a good life
I always believe that you should never get satisfied in your life. When you say that I’ve achieved everything and I am satisfied, your growth as a human stops. I had so many targets in mind that I wanted to achieve even before my accident. I wanted to give my family a good life. These thoughts were constantly on my mind and they made me bounce back because I believe I haven’t achieved anything in life yet and I’ve a long way to go.
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My leg was injured but I kept dancing using my hands
Dancing is my passion, I can never leave it. My leg was injured but I kept dancing using my hands. I bought some props online and used them. There are forms like hand cutting, finger cutting. I used to do all these forms. I had also bought a ukulele and started learning that and I kept myself entertained and engaged. My friends would visit me and try to motivate me, cheer me up.
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I feared not getting a chance to work again
When I started getting better and the lockdown was announced, I felt I would never get a chance to work again in life as the entire industry was shut. I feared of not getting a chance to work again. I wrote a poem during that time. Now, theatres have started functioning properly and it is a great relief but at that time I was scared looking at the situation.
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I even started thought of switching my career
In fact, I was thinking of switching my career as my leg was injured, we all were under lockdown, and the industry was shut. I had started learning to sing at that point of time. I had also thought of joining my dad in his shop and helping him.
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Accident and lockdown ke baad main adrak ki tarah phail Gaya tha
Transformation was very necessary at that point of time. I strongly feel that every human should stay fit and look after their health. Accident and lockdown ke baad main adrak ki tarah phail Gaya tha… I had put on a lot of weight. I then decided to look after my health. Mujhe laga Yehi ek cheez hai which I am lacking right now. People had started telling me dancing, look, acting wise you are too good but you have to work on your physique. I took this to my heart and spoke to my trainer Rithvik. We started working out and I told him I won’t be able to give it 6 months or 1 year, I want fast results. I will give my best. We took a 45 day challenge and we did it. When we saw the hoarding of Garud, we both were so happy.
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I lost 8 kilos during 45 days
He was very happy because initially I was behaving very cranky. He would make me do a lot of things which were humanly not possible (laughs). He put me on diet and exercise. I lost around 8 kilos in 45 days. I was 76 kgs when I started off and now I am 67-68. I lost 8 kilos.
(Photo: Instagram)