Zaid Khan on playing Kasab in 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata': 'Even my mother was against it'
Synopsis
Zaid Khan turned down the role of Ajmal Kasab in 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata' — until his mentor told him honest acting outlasts image management. His mother's objections nearly sealed the refusal. That he said yes anyway is the story behind the story of one of Bollywood's most sensitive casting calls.
Key Takeaways
Zaid Khan plays Ajmal Kasab in 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata' , a film inspired by the 2008 Mumbai attacks at Cama Hospital .
Khan initially refused the role, calling it 'intimidating' given Kasab's status as one of India's most reviled figures.
Mentor Satya Sabharwal persuaded him, advising that honest performance matters more than image management.
Khan's mother opposed the decision, preferring he take on positive, audience-friendly characters.
The film was directed by Manoj Tapadia and co-produced by Kangana Ranaut , who also stars alongside Girija Oak and Smita Tambe .
Actor Zaid Khan has opened up about the personal and professional doubts he navigated before accepting the role of Ajmal Kasab — the convicted perpetrator of the 2008 Mumbai attacks — in the film 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata'. The actor, speaking in a recent interview, described the role as one of the most challenging decisions of his early career.
Initial Hesitation and the Weight of the Role
Khan was candid about his reluctance when the offer first came. 'Honestly, I did not want to play the character initially because Kasab is one of the most hated figures in our country. The entire nation hates him, and I do too. Taking on such a negative role at the beginning of my career felt intimidating,' he said.
The actor acknowledged that self-doubt played a significant part in his hesitation. 'My career had just started, and I wasn't sure whether I had the courage to portray someone like him,' he added.
Mentor's Guidance Proved Decisive
It was the counsel of his mentor, Satya Sabharwal — with whom Khan had previously collaborated on a Zee5 project — that helped him turn the corner. 'He advised me that as an actor, my responsibility is to show up honestly and give my best performance. If the work is good, people will remember the work, not worry about typecasting or image-building. His words gave me confidence,' Khan recalled.
This kind of mentorship at a formative stage of a career is not uncommon in Bollywood, where the pressure to project a likeable screen image often deters younger actors from taking on antagonist roles. Khan's willingness to push past that instinct marks a notable early-career choice.
Family Concerns: Mother Wanted Positive Roles
Beyond his own doubts, Khan also had to contend with his family's apprehension. 'Even my mother was against the idea. She wanted me to play cheerful and positive characters that audiences would enjoy watching. But I decided to trust the process and approach the role with complete honesty,' he said.
The tension between family expectations and an actor's artistic ambition is a recurring theme in Indian cinema, particularly for newcomers taking on morally complex characters rooted in real-life tragedy.
About the Film
'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata' was directed by Manoj Tapadia and co-produced by Kangana Ranaut, who also features in the film alongside Girija Oak and Smita Tambe. Inspired by real events, the film centres on the courage of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who risked their lives to protect patients during the 2008 Mumbai attacks at Cama Hospital.
As the film reaches audiences, attention will likely turn to how Khan's portrayal of one of India's most reviled figures is received — a verdict that will test both the actor's craft and his mentor's advice.
Point of View
But whether Indian cinema is ready to dramatise 26/11 with the moral complexity the event demands, rather than reducing it to a villain-versus-heroes frame. Co-producer Kangana Ranaut's involvement will inevitably colour critical reception, fairly or not, and could distract from what is otherwise a story about institutional heroism that deserves its own spotlight.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zaid Khan playing in 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata'?
Zaid Khan portrays Ajmal Kasab, the convicted gunman behind the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, in the film 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata'. It is one of his earliest major roles.
Why was Zaid Khan hesitant to play Ajmal Kasab?
Khan was reluctant because Kasab is widely regarded as one of the most hated figures in India, and he feared the role could harm his image at the very start of his career. He also lacked confidence in his ability to handle such a sensitive character at that stage.
Who convinced Zaid Khan to accept the role?
His mentor, Satya Sabharwal, with whom he had worked on a Zee5 project, advised him that an actor's duty is to perform honestly — and that good work is remembered over typecasting concerns. That guidance proved decisive.
What is 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata' about?
The film is inspired by the 2008 Mumbai attacks and focuses on the bravery of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at Cama Hospital who risked their lives to protect patients during the siege. It was directed by Manoj Tapadia and co-produced by Kangana Ranaut.
Who else stars in 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata'?
The film features Kangana Ranaut, Girija Oak, and Smita Tambe in key roles, alongside Zaid Khan as Ajmal Kasab.
