Zeyn Shaw best known for playing Veer Ahuja in Netflix’s hit show Class, was recently seen in Farrey which also co-starred Sahil Mehta and Prasanna Bisht and marked the debut of Salman Khan’s niece Alizeh Agnihotri. The film, which opened last week in theaters, has been receiving positive reviews and Shaw too has been appreciated for his role.
In conversation with News18 Showsha, the young actor talks about the similarities between his role in Class and Farrey and his initial struggle after he moved back from America. He also explains how Alizeh Agnihotri isn’t a star kid and his learnings from Salman Khan who presented the film.
Were you worried that your role in Farrey would bring back memories of your character from the Netflix web series Class?
Farrey was finalised long before Class was released. Eight months must have passed before Class was released. Naturally, I had no idea that Class would turn out the way it did. In Farrey, Prateik is a spoiled, rich kid and that’s the only similarity to my character in Class. Otherwise, Prateik is a complete goofball. He is full of energy and is funny. Of course, at the back of the mind, you do worry about things like typecasting and unfavourable remarks from others but I guess it is a part of the job. I am grateful that both Class and Farrey came to me.
What were the initial challenges after moving from New York to Mumbai four years ago?
Back then, I could barely speak Hindi, and I had a bit of an accent. I used to talk like an American so when I came back, I toned down my accent. A lot of casting directors had told me that I was never going to make it here. But despite the rejection, I kept moving forward. I faced a lot of rejection to be where I am today.
Were you ever apprehensive that Farrey is going to be the debut film of Salman Khan’s niece Alizeh Agnihotri and all the spotlight would be on her?
She did not choose what family to be born in, right? It’s bizarre to me. If you speak to Alizeh, work with her, and get to know her, you will realise that she is not a star kid. We had a lot of fun while shooting the film and often we would pull each other’s legs and get into a friendly banter including our co-stars Sahil Mehta and Prasanna Bisht. Even the character she played is far away from who she is. So I don’t think anyone, including my co-actors, ever felt unusual about each other’s presence.
You have interacted with Salman Khan on various occasions. What has been your biggest learning?
Salman sir is a legend and it is evident that he has experienced every aspect of the business. To reach that level, one must possess an exceptional work ethic and a never-say-die mind-set. What I have learned is that no matter what happens just keep doing your work with sincerity and be humble towards everyone.
