Zakir Khan, the multi-talented artist known for his roles as a stand-up comedian, poet, and actor, has taken another step in his career with his new TV show, Aapka Apna Zakir. Known for his relatable humor and heartfelt poetry, Zakir aims to connect with even more people through this new medium. In a candid conversation, Zakir opens up about his journey, the challenges of modern comedy, and his approach to success and failure.
Zakir’s Artistic Roots
Zakir Khan’s artistry spans across multiple disciplines, including music, comedy, poetry, and acting. When asked which of these art forms he feels closest to, Zakir shared a personal anecdote that reflects his philosophy. He recounted meeting a baba ji on a train who, after examining his palm, told him that his fame was connected to his karma. The baba ji’s words had a profound impact on Zakir, motivating him to pursue every opportunity that would help him reach more people.
Zakir explained, “I don’t have a particular attachment to any one form of art. My goal is to connect with people, to understand their hearts and speak their minds. Whether it’s through acting, poetry, or comedy, I use whatever vehicle allows me to reach more people.”
Staying Grounded Amidst Stardom
Zakir is acutely aware of the challenges artists face as they rise in fame. He acknowledges that many comedians start by telling stories about the common people around them, which helps them connect with their audience. However, as they gain popularity, they often find themselves confined to air-conditioned rooms and luxury settings, losing touch with the everyday experiences that once fueled their humor.
“I understand this dilemma, and I also understand the limitations it brings,” Zakir said. “The world wants an artist’s growth to stop at a certain point, but I come from a background where we’ve been taught that success shouldn’t change how we interact with people. I’ve always lived by this principle, and I still try to live this way even now that I’m famous.”
To stay connected to his roots, Zakir makes a conscious effort to break away from the repetitive cycle of house, airport, hotel, show, airport, and hotel. “In 2020, I realized I needed a change. Now, I play cricket, hang out with friends, and spend time in my village with people who are better than me in many ways. They understand, speak, and listen better than us. This keeps me grounded.”
Zakir’s Approach to Television Comedy
With the success of Kapil Sharma’s comedy show, Zakir is stepping into television with a fresh perspective. Unlike traditional comedy shows, Zakir’s Aapka Apna Zakir isn’t just about making people laugh. Instead, it’s a mix of humor, heartfelt conversations, and family talk.
“We’re not limiting ourselves to just comedy,” Zakir explained. “My goal is to create a show where someone feels like they’re visiting my home, sharing jokes, and having meaningful conversations. We’re putting ourselves out there 100%, and we’re ready to accept whatever comes our way—whether it’s praise or criticism—because we’re showing our true selves.”
The Evolution of Comedy in the Reel Era
In the age of social media and 30-second reels, making people laugh on TV for an hour has become increasingly challenging. Zakir acknowledges this shift and embraces the inevitability of change.
“Change is certain. The world is like a treadmill—if you don’t keep moving forward, you’re going backward. We have to adapt to change, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones. Today, we have 30-second reels, and tomorrow, there might be something even shorter. But we’ll continue to try our best.”
Dealing with Success and Failure
Success and failure are two sides of the same coin, and Zakir has a unique approach to handling both. “I live by imagining both my great respect and my great disrespect,” he revealed. “When the moment comes, I match it with my thoughts and move forward. It takes me just three seconds to get out of either.”
This philosophy allows Zakir to remain grounded, no matter the circumstances. By anticipating both praise and criticism, he’s able to navigate the ups and downs of his career with resilience and grace.
