I have no method I am not trained in acting – Saqib Saleem

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart… Saqib Saleem's journey from being a 'bekar' to having a 'car' in Mere Dad Ki Maruti is a long leap. But if I had to sum it up like an 'overnight success story', here's how it would read – A teenager in love – mad about cricket and his lady love – dating goes well – winning the best model award and winning 1,500 rupees – cricket didn't pay well – continues being a model – lady love wants to become an actress – supports her and goes to Mumbai – doesn't join father's business – struggles – stays for a year – lady love lost – lost hope but not the competitiveness – gives auditions – struggle continues – family comes to Mumbai to get him back….and just then, one phone call from Yash Raj Studios changes his life forever. A week into Saqib's Mere Dad Ki Maruti's release his professional career is made up of what Maruti's motto was when it was launched – A Small Car with Big Dreams. It's zip-zap-zoom with Saqib Saleem.

A debut with YRF and your second film with them. I'm sure once the contract is over you'd be up for grabs from all.
I want to do a YRF Film, I want to do a Dharma Film, I want to do an Excel Film. I want to explore and do everything possible in movies. I am a sportsman and I am passionate about what I do. If I want something I'll make sure I get it. I'll go all out for it. I don't come from a filmy family and have no one here in Mumbai except my sister.

Be honest – Did your ex-girlfriend call you when you got that big call from Yash Raj Studios?
My ex-girlfriend did call me after I got my first YRF Film. But we both had moved on in life. She even messages me now. But I guess such is life. I didn't see anything like this coming when I was with her. When we broke up, a new door opened for me. I am now sucked into the world of movies.

Didn't you frame that first cheque of yours?
I deposited my first cheque that I got from YRF. That's because Yashji doesn't sign cheques. I gave my first cheque to my mother. I do get nostalgic when I visit YRF for my interviews. I was shooting for something when I got to know about Yashji's sad news. The next day I was at YRF. The whole industry was here. Everyone showed solidarity. There was so much calmness around him where he was lying. I always wanted to see 'Yash Chopra Presents' in my film but I guess it's just a distant dream now.

As a kid, what films did you grow up on?
I've grown up on all Hindi movies. I've grown up watching Sholay and Satte Pe Satta. I am a 'desi' when it comes to movies. But my household never used to see English movies. I love DDLJ. My father is a very big Rajesh Khanna and Dilip Kumar fan. So we've seen Avtar and Devdas zillion times. My father still cries watching both the films.

Define acting.
Everyone says there is a method to acting. I have no method. I am not trained. Whenever I read something I try and do it in many ways possible. Movie making is a director's medium and if I am not doing well, my director is there to guide me. I want whatever character I portray is a relatable one.

Any wise words from your sister Huma Qureshi?
Huma says, "Just be confident in front of the camera and you'll kill it". She is a trained actor but she always says that it's your instinct that drives you forward.

Every new actor looks up to some Hollywood or Bollywood actor to be their idol or inspiration. Who's yours?
I look up to Ranbir Kapoor. He is magic. Everything he does, he is so bloody involved. I have worked on an ad-film with him directed by Ayan Mukerji. Ranbir came up to me and introduced himself to me. Such is his simplicity. He is so easy on screen and off. He keeps it real and that's unreal.

Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more