Zayed Khan’s comeback
Once a target of online trolls and infamous for over-the-top interviews, Zayed Khan has reinvented himself after finding his own niche in the USA. The Daily Star talks to the hardworking star about his life, latest work, and future plans.
How did you spend this Eid?
I've lived in the United States for the past two years. I celebrate Eid here with friends and acquaintances, but I miss Bangladesh dearly. I think of my family, my parents' graves, and my colleagues all the time. Being here feels like I'm just living for the sake of survival. Life is what it is, and one must accept it and move forward. The Almighty has kept me well.
The audience was pleasantly surprised to see you in ‘American Dream’.
I just did my best. People tend to forget that I have spent over two decades in this industry and have shared the screen with the likes of Nayak Raj Razzaq bhai and Kabori apa. This was a chance to show my acting chops.
Honestly, everything I have done after joining Thikana has been a blessing for me—and the credit goes to Mushrath Shaheen, Ruhin Hossain, Saad Al Amin, and the entire team at Thikana. The director of “American Dream”, Jon Kabir, also deserves appreciation. Their vision has turned the platform into a multifaceted success. I finally have the confidence to pursue my dreams seriously, with the love of the people and the blessings of the Almighty.
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Some of your comments in various interviews were often the target of trolls when you were in Bangladesh.
I am a very media-friendly person; I have never misbehaved with a journalist in any situation whatsoever. Most of those comments were either taken out of context or I was simply joking around with the reporters. I won’t lie—it did really feel bad when people made fun of me. After all, I am human! But I have turned that sorrow into strength for now.
Your body transformation is also something that takes people aback. How did you manage it?
Sacrifice. Ninety percent of bodybuilding is the sacrifice of your previously favorite foods—I avoided polao, shemai, and payesh even on Eid, though it almost killed me to do so. Combined with working out earnestly, I could achieve the results that I had desired for a long time.
What contribution to the Bangladeshi film industry are you the proudest of?
When I was a panelist at the Chalachitra Shilpi Samiti, we gave it our all to aid the people of the industry during COVID-19. We sent food, provided support, and even carried the bodies of fellow artists on our backs when there were few who were willing to come forward. I will always consider those times a reflection of who I am.
Since you already reside in the US, do you wish to try out for their film industry?
Why not? Dreams should be limitless. At the risk of repeating myself, the support that I got from Thikana has boosted my confidence, and featuring in a Hollywood film is nothing that can’t be achieved. I just want to be myself and move forward. I urge my fans and the people of Bangladesh to pray for me.
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