“After two films that didn’t work, I secured my first television project, and it achieved significant success. This felt like a second chance that gave me both confidence and direction again.”
Tune in to watch Yaadein, every Monday to Saturday at 8 PM, only on Sony SAB
With Sony SAB’s Yaadein striking a chord with audiences for its emotional storytelling and themes of hope, actor Iqbal Khan steps into one of his most layered roles yet as Dr. Dev. The show explores the complexities of memory, loss, and second chances, as Dr Dev navigates life after losing eight years of his memories while coping with the devastating loss of his son. In this conversation, Iqbal Khan opens up about portraying a character grappling with grief and rediscovery, what drew him to Yaadein.
How is this role different from the characters you’ve played before?
I’ve been fortunate to play various roles, but what makes Dr Dev different is his emotional depth. His emotional quotient is very high; he’s someone who feels deeply but is also grounded and real. He’s extremely righteous, yet not idealistic in a superficial way. That balance is what excites me as an actor because it provides me with a chance to explore layers I haven’t tapped into before.
Playing a character who navigates two distinct emotional phases can be quite intense. How do you disconnect from that emotional headspace once the cameras stop rolling?
Every actor has their process, but for me, emotional scenes can be quite taxing. Switching on requires a certain mental preparation, but switching off isn’t always immediate. The emotion lingers for a while, especially after intense scenes. However, what helps is the environment; once the scene wraps and the surroundings shift, you slowly come back to yourself. That transition is important, but yes, emotionally heavy scenes tend to stay with me longer than others.
Was there a moment during the shoot where you personally felt the emotional weight of your character’s story?
There’s a moment early in the show where Dr Dev learns about the loss of his son, and that scene was particularly heavy. It wasn’t just me; everyone on set felt the weight of it. There was a certain silence and focus while we were shooting it. My character’s direct impact made me feel that emotional heaviness forcefully. Scenes like these can be draining, and you carry that intensity even after the shot is complete.
Did portraying a doctor change the way you look at the emotional side of the profession in real life?
In a way, yes, but I’ve also been quite aware of that world already because I come from a family with many doctors. My sisters and my extended family: there are quite a few people in the medical field. So I’ve seen both sides, the professional and the emotional. Playing a doctor in the show reinforces how much they deal with beyond just treatment—the emotional burden they carry is immense, and that’s something I’ve always respected.
Since the show revolves around second chances, can you share a moment in your life when you got one?
It was a very defining phase for me. I had done two films early on in my career, and unfortunately, both didn’t work. At that point, it genuinely felt like things were over professionally. I was unsure of what lay ahead, and it was a difficult space to be in. That was when I secured my first television project, coincidentally in collaboration with Sony, and it achieved significant success. It felt like a second chance that entirely changed my journey, almost like a fresh beginning that gave me both confidence and direction again.
You’re sharing screen space with Gulki—how has that experience been, and what does she bring to the set as a co-actor?
It’s been wonderful working with Gulki. She’s a very competent actor and extremely sincere with her craft. What I personally enjoy is the collaborative nature of our scenes, which significantly enhances the performance. In addition, she infuses the set with a sense of lightness. She’s very vibrant and fun-loving, which is vital, especially on a show like this where we’re constantly dealing with heavy emotions. After an intense scene, you need someone who can lift the energy, and she does that effortlessly.
What can audiences expect from the show?
Audiences can expect a lot of honesty from this show. The performances are very real and rooted, and the storytelling doesn’t try to be preachy. There are intense emotional moments, but there are also lighter scenes that will bring a smile. More importantly, every episode leaves you with something: a small thought, a life lesson, or a feeling that stays with you.
