Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub: From Stage Substance to Streaming Stardom – An Unfiltered Take
Mumbai, India – From the vibrant theatre circuits of Delhi to establishing a formidable presence in Hindi cinema, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub has meticulously carved out a career defined by artistic integrity and substantive roles rather than fleeting stardom. A distinguished alumnus of the National School of Drama, Ayyub’s foundation was cemented through years of rigorous theatre practice before making his cinematic debut with No One Killed Jessica (2011).
His impressive filmography boasts critically acclaimed performances in movies such as Raanjhanaa, Raees, and Article 15, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. The subsequent boom of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms further expanded his repertoire, with compelling roles in series like Rangbaaz, Tandav, and Scoop.
In an exclusive and candid conversation, Ayyub shared his insights on his transformative journey from stage to screen, his unwavering commitment to socially driven narratives, and the evolving economic landscape impacting both theatre and streaming platforms. (Reported by Amina Ashraf and Manas Mishra)
‘The star effect entering theatre is not a good direction’
As a seasoned theatre practitioner and an NSD graduate, Ayyub offers a nuanced perspective on the increasing commercialization of live theatre. “It has its pros and cons,” he begins. “The trouble is the star effect entering theatre. That is not a good direction. If this continues, smaller theatre groups will not survive. People will start wanting a known face on stage, someone from films or someone famous.”
He elaborates on the potential pitfalls: “Whenever the star system enters any space, growth becomes uneven. Passion, rawness and originality slowly lose their essence.”
However, Ayyub acknowledges a silver lining. “If money starts flowing into theatre, it might encourage people to return to it sporadically instead of abandoning it entirely just to make a living in films.” This pragmatic view highlights the delicate balance between financial viability and artistic purity.
Zeeshan Ayyub with Karishma Tanna in the OTT show Scoop
OTT created space for author-backed roles, not just heroes
Ayyub credits the rise of streaming platforms for a significant shift in his career trajectory, particularly with his impactful performances in Tandav and Scoop. He notes that these platforms have created unprecedented opportunities for well-written, multi-dimensional roles, extending beyond the conventional protagonist.
“Every actor wants an author-backed character,” he states. “With streaming platforms, today a show or a film allows space for multiple protagonists, not just one central hero. OTT definitely gave me lead roles, or to be more precise, author-backed characters in shows. I have reached a stage in my career where I am among the first two protagonists in a project.”
This evolution has also had a tangible impact on his remuneration. “Pay-wise too, things have improved, and I think the credit goes to OTT,” he reveals, underscoring the economic empowerment streaming has brought to character actors.
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub (left) in a still from Raanjhanaa
‘I won’t stop speaking my mind because of resistance’
Ayyub’s filmography increasingly reflects a conscious choice to engage with socially relevant themes. His work in films like Assi, directed by Anubhav Sinha, which sensitively explored the challenges faced by a rape survivor, exemplifies this commitment.
“Artists or anyone for that matter should be responsible citizens. There is a give and take in society, and it is our duty to give something back,” Ayyub asserts. “Not to preach, but to do films that leave a question in the viewer’s mind. There should be meaning in a story, so that after watching a film, a viewer should be able to notice things happening around the world. Use apne aas-paas ki duniya dikhe.”
Addressing the inevitable backlash that often accompanies outspoken opinions, Ayyub remains resolute. “Earlier the responses used to take a toll on me, however now I am used to it. Irrespective of what opinion you hold, there will always be some resistance. But it wouldn’t make sense if I stop voicing my opinions because of that. Woh aadmi main nahi hoon,” declares the Scoop actor, solidifying his stance as an artist unafraid to speak his mind and contribute meaningfully to societal discourse.
