‘No one has been able to cross the benchmark’: Ayub Khan as Dil Chahta Hai turns 25 | Exclusive
In an exclusive conversation with News9 Digital, he actor also recalled a memorable moment from the sets and shared why he believes Dil Chahta Hai remains a benchmark that no other film has been able to cross.
Did Chahta Hai was a critical and commercial success. But did you think it would remain relatable ever after 25 years?
Ayub Khan: I haven’t yet seen a story told on the silver screen in the unique storytelling formula and structured narrative, that of Dil Chahata hain, till date. It was a distinct style that was complete devoid of storytelling, dialogues, styling and visual narratives the Indian entertainment industry had ever seen and even after 25 years I still find it to be a bench mark that no other has been able to cross and I mean “no one”!
Rohit is a rigid, possessive fiancé. How did you approach playing him so he felt like a real human, rather than just a one-dimensional character?
Ayub Khan: The character narrated seemed like someone I myself had encountered in some version in real life too, so one knew of the various facets of such a character and how they would behave in challenging situations. I didn’t have to conjure up reactions or behaviour as it wasn’t something that was alien to me. Plus Farhan was very clear of how he saw Rohit as a character, therefore if I’d stepped out of line, I’m sure it wouldn’t have gone unnoticed by a Director as astute as Farhan
According to you, is there anything that happened to Rohit was unjustified?
Ayub Khan: I believe Rohit’s family would have been more supportive of Rohit in the climax wedding scene and wouldn’t have let Akash walk away so easily with Shalini!
Dil Chahta Hai remains a touchstone for younger audiences. What is your favorite behind-the-scenes memory from working with that ensemble cast?
My elder daughter Tahura was literally born when I reported on the first day of the sets of Dil Chahata hain!
Did you ever come across someone like Rohit in real life?
Absolutely, I remember an instance where I was at a party and was introduced to a person, and because of some crazy complex, after being introduced to him as an actor, even though I had my hand extended forward for a handshake, that person literally took much longer than what would be considered an appropriate time to extend their hand forward for a handshake.
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It was so childish seeing him just standing there infront of me, giving me a weird stare while I had my hand extended.
I could have retracted my hand back, but because I found it so amusing, I stood their waiting, just to see, where he’d go with the situation!
It didn’t cause me any kind of discomfort but rather it amused me that someone, with whom I had no interaction whatsoever with, would behave so arrogantly stupid and childish, purely out of some weird funny complex of me being a somewhat celebrity at that party. The host was very embarrassed and I could only laugh about it, and even today when I think about it