JOIN USConfident beginnings
So how did it all begin? “It all started when I was in college. To be honest, I never imagined that I would pursue a career in acting. It was a mere hobby. But I was lucky to meet the right people at the right time. It has been a long journey and I have struggled for years, but it has been worth it. While working on my first serial, Aashirwad, I still wasn’t sure if I would carry on with acting, but after working in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Since then, there has been no looking back!”
Incidentally, Hussain has also anchored several successful shows including Shabaash India, Kisme Kitna Hai Dum, Kuch Kar Dikhana Hai and Khulja Sim Sim (season 2), the 3rd, 4th and 5th season of Indian Idol, Nach Baliye 3 and Dance Premier League. Quiz him on his anchoring skills and you are in for a surprise. “I actually enjoy acting more than anchoring.
When I started out, I was very nervous and rehearsed everything to the tee. But with time, I started becoming confident and garnered a lot of appreciation for my anchoring skills.” He counts Indian Idol and Khulja Sim Sim as his favourite shows.
His dancing skills came to the fore when he won the reality show Nach Baliye 2, along with his wife Tina. “I dedicate that win to my wife and my choreographer. Tina was the only non-celebrity contestant on the show and
I worked hard to convince her to be a part of the programme. In fact, I told her to give it a shot and we expected to be out in the first round. But she worked hard and our lives completely changed after we won the title.” That Hussain dances like a dream is a known fact. He added another feather to his cap when he signed up to be a part of the first-ever Bollywood musical, Zangoora: The Gypsy Prince, at the Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon.
The show has a heavy dose of Bollywood songs and dances woven around a melodramatic storyline intertwined with international technology and has had a successful run with over 250 shows being staged already! So what does that feel like?
“It is dreamlike. In fact, it was exactly a year ago that I signed up with them but I was not convinced initially. Only after I flew down to Delhi and saw the place did I decide. I think it takes a lot of courage to execute such a concept and hats off to the folks at Wizcraft for doing it. It’s a great opportunity to be a part of the first ever Broadway in India and since I like dancing and acting, everything just fell into place.” He adds further, “The best part is that I have learnt a lot from the show and it has given me immense creative satisfaction.”
Having worked for years on the small screen, he has now set his eyes on the big screen. “Bollywood definitely beckons and post-Zangoora, I hope to do some good films that are targetted towards a niche audience.”
As of now, Hussain has no projects in the pipeline as far as television is concerned but hopes he can do an anchor-based show soon as a daily soap may not fit his tight schedule. “But you never know. I am only looking forward to good work. God has been very kind to me and I have no regrets whatsoever. I look forward to new challenges.”