Zaid Khan Embraces Creative Leap with Upcoming Kannada Film Cult
Kannada actor Zaid Khan is ready for a significant creative step forward. His new romantic drama Cult arrives in theaters on January 23. For Zaid, this film represents more than just another project. It marks a clear statement about the type of cinema he wants to create and the career path he intends to follow.
"The Character Pushed Me as an Actor"
Zaid Khan explains why Cult immediately captured his attention. The script demanded a wide range from him as a performer. "My character has three distinct shades, and that really pushed me to take up this script," he says. The role presented challenges he had not faced before, testing his abilities in new ways.
One major challenge was dubbing. "This is the very first time I have dubbed for myself in a film, and it definitely was a challenge," Zaid admits. He credits director Anil Kumar for providing the confidence needed to tackle the entire project. The introduction to Kumar came through superstar Yash, and Zaid describes that meeting as decisive for his career.
"After my first film Banaras, I was very clear about who I wanted to work with next," Zaid recalls. "Anil came to me with Cult, and I immediately knew this was my film."
A Supportive Set with Co-Stars Rachita Ram and Malaika Vasupal
Working with his co-stars made the experience smooth and productive. Zaid has been friends with actress Rachita Ram for a long time. He notes that her professionalism made collaboration easy. "She never brought her stardom onto the sets. That made performing scenes with her very easy," he states.
His experience with Malaika Vasupal was equally positive. Zaid got to know her closely only through the filmmaking process. He was impressed by how quickly she understood her character and fully embodied the role.
"My Father's Political Career Does Not Define Me as an Actor"
Zaid Khan addresses the public scrutiny that often follows him due to his family background. He is the son of a politician, which brings both advantages and challenges. "Being from a political background can be an advantage, but it also comes with a lot of challenges," he acknowledges.
However, he is firm and clear about keeping his two worlds separate. "I am certain that cinema is what I want to continue doing, and I will not get into politics," Zaid declares. He also speaks about the online criticism his father sometimes faces. Some comments focus on his father's comfort on camera or language skills.
Zaid has a direct response to that. "He gets conscious in front of the camera and his Kannada is weak, but that does not make me any lesser as an actor," he asserts. For Zaid Khan, his identity as an actor stands on its own, independent of his family's public life.
The release of Cult on January 23 is a pivotal moment. It showcases Zaid Khan's growth, his willingness to embrace difficult roles, and his commitment to building a career defined solely by his work in cinema.
