Abhishek Nigam on Ali Baba: Ek Andaaz Andekha going off-air; says, “I didn’t expect the show to end so soon”
Abhishek Nigam who replaced Sheezan Khan to essay the new Ali Baba in Ali Baba: Ek Andaaz Andekha Chapter 2 (originally Ali Baba: Dastaan-e-Kabul) is shocked and upset at the same time as the show is all set to go off-air on June 10. Abhishek joined the show in mid-January, a few weeks after the arrest of Sheezan for abetment to suicide in Tunisha Sharma’s death case.
The actor talked about it in a recent interview and shared, “This seems like a sudden decision. We were happy about the new entry and didn’t expect the show to end so soon. It is saddening, as we were planning to explore other tracks, but now, we have to end the story. I was shocked, but certain things are beyond our control. We have to respect the decision and take it in our stride.”
He added, “Though the shoot will wrap up by the end of this month, everybody is working with the same energy and enthusiasm. We aspire to give our best till the last day. Parting ways with the unit is difficult to come to terms with. Iske baad phir se naye challenges honge, including bagging the right show.”
Talking about the comparison with the original lead couple, Abhishek shared that he was only focused on delivering his best and making a place for himself. He said, “I appreciate how the original lead couple built and established the characters. I was one of their admirers and even complimented them. So, I had never even in my wildest dreams imagined that I would get to play the very part one day. The idea was to make the audience love me, too, as the new Ali and not replace anyone from their memories. I didn’t want those who loved the original couple to hate me. I didn’t see anyone as my competition. I am glad I have been able to play the part with conviction and with what I have achieved. I had a great time on the show and don’t regret taking it up midway.”
Abhishek has been associated with mostly fantasy shows and period dramas like Akbar – Rakht Se Takht Ka Safar, Mere Sai — Shraddha Aur Saburi, Chandra Nandini, and Hero – Gayab Mode On. When asked if he doesn’t wish to be a part of a typical family drama, he replied, “I always look for something challenging and different. Nowadays, even daily soaps follow this trend, and the makers introduce new elements to keep the audience engaged. So, why not? Let’s see what the future holds for me. For now, it will be starting from scratch.”