Iqbal Khan: I worked the most when I was off social media

After going off Instagram in 2021 and returning three and a half years later, Iqbal Khan has once again cleared his feed, archiving all posts a few days ago. The move aligns with the narrative of his new show Hui Gumm Yaadein – Ek Doctor, Do Zindagiyaan, in which he plays a doctor who loses eight years of memory.

Explaining the thought behind the digital blackout, Iqbal says, “It was about involving the Instagram audience in the feeling of suddenly losing what you have built over time. Whether it is relationships or emotional bonds, these are the things that truly matter and are not materialistic. Instagram felt like the best example because there is no monetary connection. It is simply about people and the relationships they form.”

At a time when social media following is often considered a deciding factor in casting, the actor remains unfazed by the pressure to stay visible online. He says, “I believe that your rozi roti is decided by the one above and by how much effort you put in. In fact, I worked the most during the period when I was off Instagram and was continuously shooting. Today, everyone is so dependent on validation that it becomes scary. I am not dependent on that. Maybe now, if someone is starting out, it is important to be visible so that people know more about you. But when I began my career 20 years ago, the situation was different. People did not need Instagram to know about my work.”

Talking about his return to television with Hui Gumm Yaadein nearly two years after Na Umra Ki Seema Ho, Iqbal says the show stands apart from familiar formats. He shares, “It is not a typical daily soap or a woman-centric story. It is largely told from a male point of view, but it is driven by emotion. My character gets a second chance in life. After losing eight years of memory, it feels like a new beginning. His slate is clean. He wants to live right, rebuild some relationships, mend others, and let go where needed. The fact that it is male-centric is only a small part. What matters more is the story. It is rare to see television attempt something like this.”