Bollywood actor Zeeshan Ayyub, known for impactful performances in films like Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Jannat 2, shared in a recent conversation with Digital Commentary that he was at a low point in his career before signing the 2017 crime drama. He said he had grown tired of being typecast in similar roles and was considering leaving the industry altogether.
Zeeshan recalled thinking that if he had to retire, he wanted to end his journey with a film alongside Shah Rukh Khan. Playing Sadiq Ibrahim, the close friend of Shah Rukh’s character in Raees, he entered the project with mixed emotions about his future. According to him, Shah Rukh instantly sensed his troubles when they first met.
He shared that when the superstar shook his hand, all the negativity he had been feeling disappeared, and he suddenly felt motivated to continue acting. Zeeshan credited Shah Rukh for encouraging him to stay in the business and reassuring him that things would get better. Directed by Rahul Dholakia and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Excel Entertainment, Raees also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Mahira Khan and went on to earn ₹281.45 crore worldwide.
Zeeshan will next be seen in Anurag Kashyap’s Nishaanchi, releasing in theatres on September 19, alongside newcomer Aaishvary Thackeray, Monika Panwar, Vedika Pinto, and Kumud Mishra. Shah Rukh Khan will be seen next in King, directed by Siddharth Anand, which also stars Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Abhay Verma, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Saurabh Shukla, with reports hinting at appearances by Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff.