Last night, actor Ayub Khan had more than one reason to party. Film Farm, producers of Rakhi in which Ayub plays the lead, threw a party to celebrate the success of their show completing 100 episodes and to bring in Ayub’s birthday. “Honestly, speaking, I couldn’t have asked for a better pre-birthday celebration. I hope there will be more like this in future. It feels nice to be part of a successful show.” says an ecstatic Ayub. Rakhi, a simple story of the relationship between a brother and his younger sister, has surprisingly emerged as the top show in the afternoon slot in the latest TRP ratings. Ayub says, “Initially there were apprehensions whether it would work in the afternoon slot where the competition is really tough. However, within 100 episodes, Rakhi has emerged as the no.1 show. However, what makes the success even sweeter is that here’s is a tale which has a male protagonist, something which is not popular on television. Perhaps, I’d like to take credit for it.” An actor who began his journey in 1992 with films switched to television in 1999. However, Ayub has never garnered such adulation on television as he’s done with Rakhi. So, is Rakhi his most outstanding achievement on television? The actor though disagrees. “I still rate Sahib, Biwi Aur Gulam as my show but back then we were never talked about TRPs and the competition was no where like it exists today. For braving sheer competition, I’ll put Rakhi on top but if you talk about creative satisfaction then its Sahib, Biwi aur Gulam for me,” the actor explains. As a seasoned campaigner, the actor has seen television evolve into a powerful medium. He chides, “When I stared in 1999, television was still looked down with disrespect. However, in less than a decade it’s all changed. Today, the small screen is as powerful as the big screen. The concept, working style and the power equation (female protagonist) has changed. TV is a force to reckon with.” With his stars shining bright, shouldn’t he contemplate a return to films? Ayub is quick to say, “Unless you cut on television, it’s impossible to bide time for films. However, I will consider the opportunities that come along the way.” He started his career in 1992 but it took five years before Ayub impressed as an actor in the critically acclaimed Prakash Jha film Mrityudand. Thereafter, he played cameos in successful films like Gangajaal , Apaharan and Dil Chahta Hai. Interestingly, out of his four successful films, Dil Chahta Hai is the only non-Prakash Jha film. So what is it about Prakash Jha that brings the best about him? Ayub replies, “Prakash has been like a brother to me. He is has been very generous and kind. He’s one of the very few directors who have persevered with me.” Surprisingly, why is it that other directors failed to tap his potential? The actor retorts, “Be it any actor or director, it’s all about gelling together. Prakash and I gel well and this is reflected in our work. However, by this it doesn’t mean I don’t share this with other directors or they consider me less as an actor.” As the nephew of legendary actor Dilip Kumar, expectations were high but Ayub failed to make a mark. Ayub attributes this to destiny and to the fact that he didn’t master the tricks of the trade. Despite having acting in the blood, this is all the more hard to accept. The actor though comes with a staunch reply, “This is a very genetic question. People evolve in their way. There’s never been a particular formula to success. What works for one needn’t work for all.” To be fair to the actor, he started his career at a time when Bollywood was going through its worst phase. Ayub too agrees with this and says that Hindi cinema took a new turn in 2001 with the success of films like Lagaan and Dil Chahta Hai. Ayub was part of Dil Chahta hai and he unflinchingly agrees that this film also revived his career. With the clock nearing the mid-night hour Ayub gets ready for the celebration. We hope it’s indeed the beginning of good times. Happy Birthday Ayub!