Scam 2003 actor Yusuf Khan: This series has given me the base I was looking for - Exclusive

With Scam 2003, Hansal Mehta shed light on yet another real life tale, this time focussing on stamp paper counterfeiting by Abdul Karim Telgi. Helmed by Tushar Hiranandani, this series was adapted from Sanjay Singh’s book, ‘Telgi Scam: Reporter’s Ki Diary’. While Gagan Dev Riar successfully led the series, his act was aptly supported by Yusuf Khan, who played the role of Suleiman.

The character of Suleiman was positively welcomed by the audience. Speaking about the prep for this role, Yusuf shared, “Once I read the script, I was sure this wasn't just about lines; I had to seriously figure it out. Because the show's era was different, so the nuances and character preparation were different. Thankfully, I got the material for the preparation within the script. Since my character, Suleiman, belongs to the local chawl area in and around the city, I visited some local areas to understand the mannerisms of that particular character. I applied hair oil, started wearing colorful clothes, and adapted the language to add a touch of finesse to the role. Also, there's an arc where the character transforms from a normal boy into someone who deceives his boss. So, I had to work on his entire character graph.”

When asked about the support he received from producer Hansal Mehta, the actor shared, “Hansal sir has been incredibly kind and generous right from the beginning. When it comes to providing input about the character of Suleiman, he ensured that the character comes alive on camera. His feedback was crucial for shaping the character. He also emphasized the importance of an organic process. He has a deep understanding of each character. Moreover, his perspective provides a fresh angle to one's approach, which directly helps the actor refine their craft.”

With the success of ‘Scam 2003’, things are looking up for Yusuf. “Post Scam 2003, things have changed. In terms of work, I definitely now have a reference base thanks to Suleiman. People know him and his association with Scam 2003 adds to the charm of my work. I've been shortlisted for some upcoming projects based on my performance. In short, Scam 2003 has given me the base I was looking for since quite some time now. People are recognizing my acting abilities and my craft. Things are going well post Scam 2003.”