Exclusive: Akashdeep Saigal addresses nine-year absence from television, breaks silence on his fallout with Salman Khan and Naagin 7

Akashdeep Saigal recently returned to television after a 9 years sabbatical with supernatural saga Naagin 7 and the actor joined Times of India TV for an interview. In this exclusive conversation, Akashdeep Saigal talks about his comeback, reflects on his nine-year break from television, and opens up about his fallout with Salman Khan. (Photo: Instagram)

In my opinion, the timing was just perfect. At this point in my life, taking up a mythological or supernatural show felt right. When I heard the story and knew it was a Balaji project with Ekta, there was no need to think twice. Everything just aligned, so I went ahead with it. (Photo: Instagram)

I can never decide in advance whether a character is right or wrong. I can only say if it’s a negative role or a baddie, and I enjoy playing characters with such shades. I’ve never been greedy about only doing a hero or just a villain, I’m open to all kinds of roles. As long as I can do justice to the character and bring some magic to the screen, that’s what excites me. Now that I’m back, if something interesting comes my way apart from Naagin, we will see in the future. But for now, with Naagin, you will see me giving my 100 percent, and we are going to create some amazing scenes. (Photo: Instagram)

That actor who was constantly worried about his performance is no longer a part of me. After I stepped away and came back, my mindset completely changed. Now, I don’t overthink it. I believe in doing my job honestly, with all my heart, giving more than 100 percent, and then letting it go. The rest is up to the creative team, the production, and the channel. I don’t want to stress myself by worrying about what will happen tomorrow. If we focus on living in the present, today will be good. Staying in the moment keeps you calm and happy, after all, who has really seen tomorrow? (Photo: Instagram)

My mother and I shared a very close bond. I’m the youngest in my family, and I was always by her side. When she passed away, that’s when everything really began to change for me, though, in a way, it had started even before that. She lived a full life of 75 years. In her later days, which were very personal for us, I saw a side of her that was different. Mothers are like tigresses—strong, fierce, full of life. But there comes a time we all must face, when they become fragile. Even then, she wanted to protect her children. She would often tell me to go away because she didn’t want me to see her in that vulnerable state. After she passed away, I realised I needed to pause. I needed to take a break, find myself, and look deeper within. That phase made me reflect on my own spirit and understand myself better. (Photo: Instagram)

Haan, mera karma aur mera dharma yahi hai, to give my absolute best, and that’s why I’m here. I’m definitely not doing this just to earn money or to restart my career. That was never the intention. It was a perfect alignment between Ekta and me, and once it began, I decided to go with the flow. I’m already doing other things in my life, and whatever is meant to come will come naturally. I’m not going to chase opportunities or force anything. (Photo: Instagram)

No, I was never someone who overthought consequences, like, agar main yeh karunga toh kya hoga. I simply followed what my soul felt was right, and I acted on it. At that time, I was doing three or four shows simultaneously. I still remember Ekta asking me, ‘Are you sure you want to step away from television?’ And I said yes, I genuinely wanted a break. It was a conscious decision, and it was even mentioned in the press back then. Now, I’m back. And this comeback is special. I want to return with a bang, and Naagin 7 is where I’m putting my full energy. (Photo: Instagram)

I’m glad you brought this up because it’s been circulating in the media for a long time now. I’ll explain it simply, sometimes a story starts at one point and, as it keeps moving, it picks up layers and turns into something completely different, almost like a rumour. As I’ve said before, stepping away from television was a conscious decision. Ekta had already confirmed that. I’ve done many shows, whether it’s Bigg Boss, I’m a Celebrity…, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Total Wipeout, and I’ve never let outside noise affect me. I do care about people and what they think, that’s natural. But I’m not bothered by it. The day you let the world disturb your peace of mind, you only end up miserable and I don’t want that. Because somebody said something, I never clarified and it went somewhere else. (Photo: Instagram)

I was upset with my father and with my mother too. That doesn’t mean I hate anyone or that someone made my life miserable. No one can make your life miserable, you do that to yourself. I understood this a long time ago. As far as Salman is concerned, absolutely not. He is Salman Khan and I am Akashdeep Saigal, now Akash Skywalker. He has his own space, I have mine. People love him, people love me. I have no animosity towards him or anyone in the industry, especially not him. (Photo: Instagram)

This has nothing to do with fear. People say things like you shouldn’t mess with Salman Khan because he’s powerful, but why should there be any ‘panga’ at all? Differences can happen in human interactions, but that doesn’t mean they should turn into a big PR story. I’ve never held a press conference to clarify my stand because there was never anything to clarify. If people enjoy talking and rumours give them entertainment, why should I take that away from them? Everyone gets publicity, good luck to them. But I’m happy, at peace, and I see myself as a child of the universe. None of this bothers me. (Photo: Instagram)