Comedian and actor Zakir Khan opened up about his journey from Indore to Delhi and the cultural differences he experienced while finding his feet in the capital on Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi’s Double Date. In a candid conversation, Zakir spoke about the criticism and judgement he faced in Delhi, particularly around the way people perceived his appearance, clothes and background.
Talking about his experience of moving to Delhi, Zakir said that he went through a cultural shock and had to deal with people judging him based on how he( looked and what he wore. He also spoke about how, according to his experience, people would not take him seriously until he established himself.
“When we went to Delhi, we went through a huge cultural shock. What colour you are, what kind of clothes you wear, it makes a big difference to them. Until you establish yourself, they tend to treat you like a joke. Their tone itself is condescending. I faced that in Delhi, but I didn’t face it in Indore. They have this particular tone ‘Tere ko toh koi nahi mila hoga’ (You probably wouldn’t have found anyone anyway).”
(“Delhi mein jab hum Gaye Hain ek bohat cultural shock se guzre hain, aap kis rang ke hain, kis Darje ke kapde pehente hain. Us se unko bada fark padta hai. Jab tak aap apne aap ko sthapit na kar le tab tak wo aapko joke ki tarh hi lete hain. Unki tone hi condasanding hoti hai. Wo main ne Delhi mein face kiya Indore mein nahi. They have this particular tone “Tere ko toh koi nahi mila hoga.’”
Zakir’s candid revelation gave an insight into the early phase of his journey, when he was navigating a new city while also dealing with the perceptions and criticism that came with it. His journey from Indore to Delhi eventually became an important part of his personal and professional growth, as he learnt to find his own voice and establish himself on his own terms.
The conversation also took an interesting turn when Angad Bedi revealed that there is another side to Zakir that many may not know, his love and knowledge of cricket. While discussing his interests and passions, Zakir explained why he consciously avoids speaking too much about certain subjects.
“I never talk about music and cricketers. Because my grandfather told me, when you’re too passionate about something, shut your mouth. Because people won’t indulge. You don’t realise that everybody is getting bored.”
The candid exchange then led Neha Dhupia to pull Zakir’s leg and ask him, “So you’re not passionate about Delhi girls?” to which Zakir simply replied, “No.”
The episode promises plenty of such unfiltered and masaledaar conversations, with Zakir Khan and former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan opening up about their lives, journeys and experiences on Double Date. From Zakir speaking about his move from Indore to Delhi and the challenges he faced while trying to establish himself, to conversations around cricket, passions and personal experiences, the episode brings out a more candid side of both guests.
Catch Zakir Khan and Irfan Pathan as they speak their hearts out with Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi on Double Date, streaming this on Neha Dhupia’s YouTube channel.
