Zayed Khan addresses rumoured rivalry with Shahid Kapoor and John Abraham, hints others might have engaged in ‘tit-for-tat’ but they didn’t

Zayed Khan debuted in the same year as Shahid Kapoor, John Abraham and Riteish Deshmukh. He admitted in a new interview that there was definitely a sense of competition in the air.

By: Entertainment Desk

New Delhi | April 13, 2023 10:50 AM IST

3 min read

Zayed Khan, Shahid Kapoor and John Abraham debuted in the same year.

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Actor Zayed Khan, who has been missing from action for quite some time now, reflected on his massively publicised debut in films, and recalled how different the Hindi film industry used to be when he was starting out. Zayed debuted in 2003, the same year when John Abraham, Shahid Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh also got a big launch.

In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Zayed was asked if there was a sense of competition between them, and he said that they got along well together. He did, however, admit that others might have been engaging in a less dignified manner, but he refused to name them.

Also read | When Shah Rukh Khan asked Zayed Khan if he could act before Main Hoon Na: ‘Was sort of disturbed by that question’

He said, “I’ve never been the kind of person who has looked over his shoulder to see who’s left and who’s right. I’ve always been focused on my own race, and I’ve never indulged in the politics of ‘woh kya kar raha hai’ and ‘why didn’t I get this’. I was very confident of my ability, and I just wanted to work with amazing people.”

Zayed continued, “Having said that, John is a fantastic guy. Riteish is my buddy. Shahid is so talented. There was so much competition, which is healthy. We never did any kind of tit-for-tat, but I don’t know, probably some people might have. We went on so many shows together. We bonded as people, as friends, as artists. It was a different industry, in the sense that there was so much class to how relationships were conducted. Did I want to win a best debut (award)? Of course, who doesn’t? But may the best man win.”

The son of actor Sanjay Khan, Zayed debuted with the film Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne, opposite fellow newcomer Esha Deol, the daughter of actors Hema Malini and Dharmendra. Shahid made his debut with the film Ishk Vishk and walked away with the awards, and John debuted with Jism. While Shahid and John are still among the most popular male stars in Hindi films, Zayed’s career peaked soon after his debut, and has since taken a plunge. He is now planning a comeback.

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