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I want people to remember me as a friend: Naseer Khan

An industrialist, an actor, a producer Nasser Khan never fails to amaze with his long list of achievements. The debut actor in an exclusive interview with Devika Chhibber of Spicezee.com shared some of his cherished memories.

‘Disability is not a brave struggle or courage in the face of adversity. Disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live.’ - Neil Marcus Life is complicated for many, but easy for those who instead of complaining about what they don’t have try to make the best of whatever they have for achieving their aim. One such admirable person is the visually challenged Naseer Khan, whose debut release ‘Shadow’ is touted to be a different kind of cinema.
Born with visual defect owing to cataract, he has been operated upon several times. An enthusiastic and dedicated person, he learnt to drive a scooter and car at the age of 12. Even in Class VII, when he lost his eyesight completely, his failure never stopped him from setting sight on the stars. Born and brought up in Kanpur, the man is perfect example of sheer genius and positive attitude towards life. An industrialist, an actor, a producer and may be a director in near future, he is versatile and never fails to amaze with his long list of achievements. The debut actor in an exclusive interview with Devika Chhibber of Spicezee.com shared some cherished memories through the journey of his life. Devika: Tell me something about Nasser Khan - the man? Nasser: Well Nasser Khan is filled with optimism, has a positive attitude towards life, is dedicated, and can learn things very quickly. He also has a very strong sixth sense and can never forget those whom he has met once. Devika: Please tell us about the journey of your life? Nasser: Since childhood I suffered from this eye problem therefore after studying for some years in a local school I directly took admission in 5th standard in St Joseph convent in Kanpur, but could not study after 7th grade. During those three years, I topped in each class but then I had to leave school. A tutor was kept for English, Hindi, Maths, Arabic and Urdu. I also learnt to type and later in 1996 started my own leather tannery. Now I am into Saddlery export and cosmetics business. So, the journey so far has been favourable. Devika: Please tell us something about your family background? Nasser: Apart from my other relatives, I have a beautiful wife and a 10-month old daughter Ayesha. Devika: What would you like to be called - Nasser Khan the industrialist or the actor? Nasser: I prefer Nasser Khan the industrialist because as a businessman I am able to enjoy all the comforts of life. I have peace, freedom, independence, money and all the luxuries of life. Being an actor is a hectic job for sure. Devika: ‘Shadow’ is doing well in theatres, tell us about behind-the-scene incidents? Nasser: Sonali Kulkarni and Milind Soman are very fine actors to work with. They used to be so patient while I used to rehearse my lines. I am really lucky that I got a chance to work with such talented actors in my very first movie. Let me share an experience I got my leg fractured on the sets. But my co-actors were wonderful as ever. They never complained about anything. Devika: Why did you choose Sonali Kulkarni and Milind Soman? Nasser: Well, to be very honest nobody wants to work with a new actor in Bollywood - that’s a known fact, which was repeated in my case. And I was determined to take those actors who would sign my movie for the sake of role and not money and the rest is history. Devika: Why did you want to become an actor? Were you not skeptical about your acceptance in the industry? Nasser: I wanted to become an actor because I wanted people to know about me and how I struggled in life and how I reached here. For this it was necessary to first introduce myself. Let me share a secret (with a smile) - I don’t invest into anything where I am doubtful about the returns. Devika: You are visually challenged. How difficult it is to exist with that kind of handicap in the world? Nasser: It is very difficult I must admit and quite a number of times I felt very depressed, but then you have to face reality and accept that you are part and parcel of this world. Hence I am here. I have learnt to face life instead of blaming others for my troubles. Devika: What made you feel depressed? Nasser: I remember when I was in 7th standard I lost my vision then I tried to shun the world, maintained distance with all those who loved me. I became very frustrated and used to remain in my room even on festive occasions. But finally, I gathered courage to fight the darkness. Devika: Share with us the happiest moment in your life. Nasser: Recently when I received ‘India book of Record Award’ for my work in ‘Shadow’, I was really excited. I was on the verge of crying that day. Devika: Is there anything else you wanted but have not achieved? Nasser: No, I don’t think so. I have achieved whatever I wanted to and wished for in my life. Yes, now I want to direct a movie and soon you will hear me directing my next venture. Devika: What inspires you? Nasser: Bluntly speaking, whenever somebody ignored or snubbed me about something I was inspired to do that particular thing. The first instance came when one of my relatives told me not to touch a typewriter because I was blind and would therefore destroy it but today I thank him. It was because of him that I learnt both Hindi and English typewriting, my first step towards the success ladder. Devika: Your upcoming ventures? Nasser: I have two upcoming movies in line ‘Rocky Rockstar’ - an action packed thriller and ‘Rajasthan weds Punjab’, which is a soft romantic movie. Devika: What kind of music do you like? Nasser: I love the song ‘Dil de diya hai, jaan tumhe denge’ from ‘Masti’. All Kishore Kumar songs are my favourite. Among female singers I like Asha Bhonsle. Sunidhi Chauhan is yet another favourite and for the same reason I made her sing two songs in ‘Shadow’. I am also crazy for party songs. Devika: What would you like to do for others like you? Nasser: I love to help the needy; rest is very personal to answer. Devika: How would you define beauty and how will you relate it with life? Nasser: Beauty for me is not materialistic or something which you can see through eyes. For me beauty is when somebody or something touches your soul and whose feel lasts forever. Devika: How would you like people to remember you? Nasser: I would like people to remember me as a friend and yes, girls please don’t remember me as ‘Bhai’. Devika: What’s your message to the world? Nasser: Tu sansen hai tu dhadkan hai tu zindagi ki aas hai, Tu aarzoo, tu justju, mujhe teri hi talash hai…. (You are my breath, you are my pulse, you are my hope of life, you are the thirst, you are the passion, and you are the desired one I search for in life.)