Fardeen Khan is ready to return to the big screen after an 11-year absence. In fact, the actor recently completed work on his comeback film, Visfot, in which he co-stars with Riteish Deshmukh. In an exclusive chat with BT, the actor spoke about facing the camera after a long break and the journey ahead. Excerpts:

It’s a completely different landscape in terms of content and how the system works now. There is a much higher level of creativity. Streaming has attracted a different type of audience, which has changed the way content is created and protagonists are designed. The distinction between OTT and theatrical content is becoming increasingly hazy. Of course, budgets, timelines, and challenges vary, but unlike television, streaming content is held to the same standard as a well-produced film. I’ve watched a lot of content on streaming platforms over the years, but seeing it from the inside is incredible. What hasn’t changed is the human dynamism and foundation of how we tell stories, and how it continues to play on emotions and create an experience. The pandemic simply accelerated a change in the film industry that was already in the works.

Despite meeting fewer people as a result of the pandemic, I met Sanjay Gupta, Mudassar Aziz, Sajid Nadiadwala, and many of my former colleagues and friends. I inform them that I am back, transformed, eager, and determined to return to the world of cinema. Many people assumed I didn’t live here at all. Everyone I met was friendly and welcoming; there were no promises to collaborate right away, but reassurance that we would definitely collaborate soon. This is where I belong, and I was always going to return to work in some capacity. To make a new beginning, you must have the courage to do so. It’s intimidating, and I’m back to feeling like an intern. I was a nervous wreck! (laughs!) I hadn’t slept for a few nights prior to the first day of shooting. Workshops and readings were held. I’d been dreading having to face the camera again since the day I signed up for it. Before going on floors, the film went through its own journey. Looking at the pandemic situation, we moved from London to Goa and then to Mumbai. I’m playing a character with a unique background that I’ve never played before. I wasn’t sure where I would fit in.

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