'Therapeutic'—Saqib Saleem on working with 'Crime Beat' showrunner Sudhir Mishra
What's the story
Actor Saqib Saleem has opened up about his experience of working with filmmaker Sudhir Mishra on the new ZEE5 series, Crime Beat.
In an interview with Mid-Day, he called the collaboration "therapeutic," adding that he admires Mishra's youthful spirit and empowering approach toward actors.
"I feel I have come out as a better artiste," he said.
Praise for Mishra
Mishra 'empowers' actors, says Saleem
Saleem said about Mishra, "Once you get to know him, you realize he is younger than you at heart. He has a great sense of humor and is an ideal director for actors because he empowers them."
"He was always trying to figure out how to best express his thoughts and story. That was inspiring. After so many years, only if you still have that desire and zeal, can your work stand out."
Character portrayal
Saleem's role in 'Crime Beat' and career aspirations
In Crime Beat, Saleem plays Abhishek Sinha, an ambitious young reporter from Varanasi trying to make it in Delhi's cut-throat media industry.
His character is mentored by Amir Akhtar, played by Danish Hussain.
Despite a 14-year-long career across mediums, Saleem still remains hungry for roles that showcase his versatility.
"I am hungry for parts that allow me to show my diversity," he told Mid-Day.
Production pursuits
Saleem's venture into production with Elemen 3 Entertainment
Beyond acting, Saleem also dabbles in production with Elemen 3 Entertainment, a company he co-founded with his actor-sister Huma Qureshi and filmmaker Mudassar Aziz.
The company is working on a neo-noir crime comedy Baby Do Die Do, starring Qureshi, Sikandar Kher, and Chunky Panday.
"That film is my baby. We are very excited about it and hopefully, it will be out this year for everyone to see," the actor said.