Zaheer Iqbal and his wife Sonakshi Sinha are loved for their playful chemistry and sweet social media moments. But the couple surprised fans by coming together for the thriller ‘Tu Hai Meri Kiran’, in which Zaheer plays a possessive lover. In a recent interview, the actor spoke about the film, his bond with Sonakshi and his Bollywood debut, which was backed by Salman Khan.
Zaheer Iqbal on his role in ‘Tu Hai Meri Kiran’
In a chat with Midday, Zaheer Iqbal said a lot of effort went into building his character. He shared, “We shot a lot. We shot extra stuff, and, on the edit, we had to remove certain things to simplify it or to make it less obvious sometimes. I did a lot of workshops, and I worked really hard on this character because it’s one opportunity that you get sometimes to do a character like this, and you don’t want to mess it up.”
Choosing a different on-screen dynamic
The couple consciously chose not to play the cute and sweet pair that audiences know from their real life. Zaheer said, “If we did what we do off-screen or we do on Instagram, you’ll feel like you’re in a theatre scrolling on reels and you’ll want to be like swipe up.” He added that they had got many offers to play a romantic couple, but this film stood out for its shock value.In the film, their characters move from being engaged to being married. Zaheer explained, “So half the film, we were engaged and married for the other half.” He also praised Sonakshi, saying, “She is just so seasoned in what she does.”
Is Zaheer Iqbal a possessive partner?
On possessiveness in relationships, Zaheer feels it depends on the equation between two people and how secure they make each other feel. He said, “A lot of people are just inherently obsessive and possessive. But I think in a normal relationship like me and Sona, I feel it’s your partner who can make you possessive or not.”On the idea of equality, he said Sonakshi is superior. He explained, “I don’t believe men and women are equal. I believe women are way more superior because one can never be stronger than a woman who gave you birth.”
On facing trolls
Zaheer Iqbal said the couple does not give much weight to online trolling. “I don’t see anything bad. I don’t feel we get trolled that much. And if we feel, we don’t pay attention,” he said.
How Salman Khan gave him his first break
Zaheer also recalled how he got into films after Salman Khan saw him dancing at his sister’s wedding. The offer came without warning, and he remains thankful for it. He said, “I was dancing somewhere at a wedding. My sister’s wedding, and Salman Khan happened to be there and offer me a film. So, it worked out that way. I got my chance. And it literally fell in my lap. And I don’t take that for granted ever. I don’t think there’s anybody else like that. In the industry right now, if you think there must be two or three people who were spotted like this. I’m glad I’m blessed.”Directed by Karan Rawal, ‘Tu Hai Meri Kiran’ was released in theatres on October 23, 2026.
