Sehban Azim who is currently essaying the lead role in Spy Bahu moved to Mumbai leaving his well-paid job to pursue his passion for acting. After trying his hand with modeling and short film projects, Sehban finally found a place for himself in the showbiz with his stint in the shows Dill Mill Gayye, Ek Haazaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, and Thapki…Pyaar Ke among others. His performance in Tujhse Hai Raabta made him a household name.
During an interview with BT, Sehban talked about his journey so far and shared, “When I was modeling and doing short films, I used to get offers for daily shows. I turned them down as I couldn’t relate to them. Then Dill Mill Gayye came my way (in 2009) and changed my perspective about working on the small screen. Today after a decade and 10 shows later, I am proud to be associated with TV because I have learned so much as a professional from TV. There’s so much to do in a limited time frame. TV has been like an intensive workshop for me and helped me grow as an actor. Also, the audience has showered so much love on me.”
Talking about the initial transition to TV Sehban. He says, “My job kept me financially sound but after I did a print shoot for a friend, I felt it could also be a possible career option for me. There was a point when nothing was working out for me, but my parents encouraged me to push myself and follow my heart.”
Talking about staying relevant in a female-dominated space Sehban admits that he’s had his share of reservations and said, “I am glad I moved to TV at the right time. I never felt I was overshadowed by my female co-star in any show, I have always played key characters till now, be it Thapki or Bepannaah or Udaan. I have not been at a stage where I am standing, and I have nothing to say or do in a show. That’s why I am still relevant.”
He added, “Hindi TV shows had a set criterion of looks for both male and female leads and even the antagonists but slowly things are changing. I was the only dusky guy on screen for a very long time. Some people even told me to use makeup to look ‘fair’. Luckily now, heroes can be dark and handsome.”
Talking about his fan base he said, “Adulation from female fans is heartening. At times, I am not sure how one needs to respond to it as I am an introvert. I am happiest when I am on the sets of a TV show. Off screen, I am a regular guy, who is a bit shy and happy in his own world.”