Zaheer Iqbal on Playing an Obsessive Lover in Tu Hai Meri Kiran: “I Wanted to Explore a Side Audiences Haven’t Seen”

Zaheer Iqbal has taken on a different kind of romantic role with Tu Hai Meri Kiran. The actor, who stars opposite Sonakshi Sinha in the recently released film, plays Samar, a man whose feelings for a woman gradually turn into an unsettling obsession.

Speaking about the character, Zaheer said he wanted to explore a side of his acting that audiences had not seen before. For him, the challenge was not simply to portray an intense lover, but to understand the emotional layers and motivations behind the character's behaviour.

In a statement shared with IANS on November 1, the actor described the role as an opportunity to move beyond familiar territory. He said understanding Samar's mindset was central to making the character convincing on screen.

Why Zaheer Iqbal chose a character outside his comfort zone?

Samar is not presented as a conventional romantic hero. His attachment to Kiran develops into behaviour that challenges the boundaries between affection, control and obsession.

Zaheer explained that he approached the part by trying to understand what drives Samar emotionally. Rather than relying only on outward intensity, he wanted the complicated aspects of the character to feel authentic.

In an earlier interview with Mid-Day, the actor also discussed the preparation involved. He revealed that he participated in workshops and worked extensively on the character. He said additional scenes were filmed before some material was removed during editing to make the storytelling less obvious.

The preparation reflects the demands of a role in which the character's psychological motivations are as important as his actions.

What is Tu Hai Meri Kiran about?

Written and directed by Karan Rawal, Tu Hai Meri Kiran brings together Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal in a story that mixes romance, mystery and suspense.

The film follows Kiran Mittal, played by Sonakshi, a bestselling author who discovers an old flip phone and develops an unusual connection with Samar, played by Zaheer. The story moves between two timelines, 2016 and 2026.

Their connection takes a darker turn as Samar becomes obsessed with Kiran and begins changing events in the past, putting her present life at risk. The film uses this unusual premise to explore the consequences of a relationship in which one person's feelings cross into dangerous territory.

The supporting cast includes Ankit Gupta, Sherlin Seth, Zarina Wahab and Purnendu Bhattacharya.

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal take on an unusual on-screen dynamic

The film also brings real-life couple Sonakshi and Zaheer together in roles that differ from their relationship outside the screen.

In an interview with Bollywood Hungama ahead of the release, producer Vishal Rana explained that the team wanted an actor who could match Sonakshi's screen presence while bringing the intensity required for the character. He said Zaheer's audition convinced him and director Karan Rawal that he could handle the part.

The casting creates an interesting contrast: the actors are a real-life couple, but their characters are placed in a tense relationship shaped by obsession rather than a straightforward romance.

The film's theatrical release

Tu Hai Meri Kiran arrived in cinemas on October 23, 2026. The film was presented by Echelon Productions in association with PAM Studios and AND Productions, with Vishal Rana as producer and Karan Rawal handling the writing and direction.

The film's premise places it closer to a romantic thriller than a conventional love story. Its two-timeline structure and the growing tension around Samar's behaviour provide the central conflict.

The Celebrity Hour Take

Zaheer's decision to play an obsessive lover is significant because the character asks audiences to look beyond the familiar image of a romantic lead. Samar's actions are not meant to represent an ideal relationship; they form the troubling centre of the story.

The distinction between portraying a character and endorsing his behaviour is important here. Zaheer's comments about understanding Samar's motivations, along with his earlier remarks about disagreeing with the character's actions, suggest that he approached the role as a psychological acting challenge rather than a celebration of possessiveness.

For an actor looking to explore different screen identities, such roles can offer a chance to demonstrate range beyond conventional romance.

Sources & Verification

This report uses Zaheer Iqbal's remarks shared with IANS, his earlier interview with Mid-Day, the producer's interview with Bollywood Hungama, and published film information. The actor's comments about the role are attributed to him; the film's story, cast, creative credits and theatrical release date have been cross-checked against available film coverage and promotional information.