“I Want to Be Known for My Choices, Not My Background” — Zaid Khan on Cult, Career and the Road Ahead

After making his Sandalwood debut with Banaras, actor Zaid Khan is back in the spotlight with his second Kannada film Cult, directed by Anil Kumar, which released across Karnataka today (January 23). Featuring Zaid in three distinct shades, the film stars Rachita Ram and Malaika Vasupal as the female leads. In a candid conversation, Zaid opens up about his journey, his struggles, and his long-term vision.

“My father kept me away from the industry”

Zaid, who comes from a political family, reveals that his entry into films was anything but easy. “My father is extremely busy with politics. We rarely talk, but whenever we meet, he does ask about my films. Politics is something he wants to end with his generation — we have decided it should not continue in the family.” Despite being a politician’s son, Zaid says he had no godfather in cinema. “My father made it clear even before I entered films that he would not support me financially or personally. He didn’t want me in this industry. In a way, having a political background is both a blessing and a curse.” Determined to prove himself, Zaid trained in acting in Mumbai before convincing his father to back his debut film Banaras. “That film gave me visibility, but it also brought a lot of negativity. It was a learning phase. Today, that noise has reduced. My goal is to rise above all of it.”

Choosing content over hype

After Banaras, Zaid waited patiently for the right script. “I didn’t come into films just for numbers, fame or headlines. Content is everything today. No one is waiting for us — we must earn the audience.” About how Cult came to him, he says director Anil Kumar was introduced to him through Yash, after which the script instantly clicked. “The moment I heard Cult, I knew I had to do it.”

Smart budgeting and realistic planning

Zaid also reveals that he is financially involved in Cult. “I know my market. I am not here to make ₹100-crore pan-India films just yet. I’ve invested in this film myself, and we’ve already recovered half the budget. We are confident of being in the safe zone within two weeks of release.”

Inspired by Aamir Khan

Zaid says he is extremely selective about the scripts he chooses. “I don’t want to do repetitive roles. Every film should feel different — story, treatment, characters, everything. Before I say yes, I ask myself: Why should people watch this film? What is new here?” He adds, “Aamir Khan inspires me the most. Years later, when I look back, I should feel proud of my filmography.”

Three shades, one actor

In Cult, Zaid plays a character named Madhav in three different shades. “It’s not just about costumes. My body language, voice, and mannerisms change in all three phases.” He also proudly reveals that he has dubbed for himself this time. “For Banaras, my Kannada wasn’t clean — it had a Muslim-Kannada mix. I worked hard on my language, and in Cult, my own voice has been retained.”

Strong bonding with Rachita Ram & Malaika

“I’ve known Rachita for a long time. She never behaves like a star on set. Working with her was wonderful. Malaika too was extremely supportive.” says Zaid Khan.

Staying loyal to Kannada cinema

Despite getting offers from Hindi and Malayalam industries, Zaid says his heart is firmly in Sandalwood. “I want to build my career here. If a strong bilingual opportunity comes, I’ll consider it — but Kannada is my priority.” he says.

Three more films on the way

Zaid is already working on three new projects. “Two are in pre-production. The third film’s songs are already ready, and shooting begins by the end of April. It’s a complete entertainer, and we plan to release it by the end of this year.”