Saqib Ayub, known for his roles in Thugs of Hindostan (2018) and Farzi (2023), stars in the film Superboys of Malegaon (2024). Directed by Reema Kagti, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Saqib plays the role of Irfan. In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Saqib discussed his journey in the industry and his experiences with various roles. From Bambai Meri Jaan (2023) to Mai Hero Boll Raha Hu (2021), Saqib continues to build a strong presence in the world of entertainment. Excerpts:
Q: How did you prepare for your character in Superboys of Malegaon?
A: My approach was quite straightforward—the script was my foundation. Reema Kagti and Varun Grover had crafted everything so meticulously that the character’s essence was already laid out. To deepen our understanding, we participated in workshops with Atul Mongia, which helped us get into the nuances of our roles and foster a close-knit bond among the cast. We also had a dialect coach, Alim, who was one of the characters in the film. His coaching helped us master the dialect and understand the cultural context. Even during filming, we interacted with Malegaon locals, including Nasir bhai and other actors, which provided invaluable insights. This combination of training, interaction, and Reema’s guidance helped me truly immerse myself in the role.
Q: How was it working with director Reema Kagti on Superboys of Malegaon?
A: Working with Reema was phenomenal. She has a crystal-clear vision and knows exactly what she wants. I believe she already has the film’s edit in her mind before shooting even begins, which makes the process seamless. Her precision is unmatched—she is impeccable, deeply knowledgeable, and communicates her vision with clarity and empathy. This was a huge learning experience for me. Reema is only the second female director I’ve worked with, and she has a unique approach. I truly hope to collaborate with her again.
Q: What was your experience collaborating with renowned directors like Raj & DK?
A: Raj & DK are incredible directors with a seamless creative synergy. They offer immense creative freedom and encourage improvisation. In Farzi, even if a scene was initially one page, we had the liberty to explore and extend it—sometimes doubling its length. What’s amazing is that they often retained those improvisations in the final cut. Their scripts are brilliantly wacky, making it a joy to bring their characters to life. The talented writers, Sita Menon and Sumanth Verma, deserve credit for crafting such engaging narratives in Farzi and The Family Man. Working with Raj & DK was an amazing learning experience, offering a completely different perspective from other directors I’ve worked with.
Q: Can you share your experience portraying a rebel in Thugs of Hindostan?
A: This was my first feature film, and being part of a Yash Raj production alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan was surreal. The film, despite its box office performance, was an invaluable learning experience. Observing legends like Mr. Bachchan and Aamir sir helped me evolve as an actor. The film had a massive crew, including international professionals, and working on such a large-scale production gave me a deeper understanding of filmmaking. It was a stepping stone into the vast world of cinema, and the lessons I learned continue to shape me today.
Q: How did you bring your character Anees to life in Farzi?
A: Anees felt deeply personal to me. I didn’t have to look far for inspiration—I could draw from my own experiences. Being from Mumbai, I’m fluent in Bambaiya lingo, and my middle-class background gave me an inherent connection to Anees’ world. For the gangster persona, I took inspiration from Bollywood’s portrayal of Mumbai’s underworld. The script played a key role, and the creative freedom given by Raj & DK allowed me to shape Anees in an organic way.
Q: What did it mean for you to have Superboys of Malegaon premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)?
A: It was overwhelming—one of the best nights of my life. Never in my dreams did I imagine walking the red carpet at TIFF with just my third film. The premiere was surreal, with international paparazzi, press interactions, and a packed audience of 2,500 people. When the film ended, we received a five-minute standing ovation, and we were all in tears—Zoya, Reema, Nasir bhai, Adarsh, Anuj, Manjiri, Shashank, and Varun bhai. Even after the premiere, people in Toronto recognized and appreciated us. That love has translated to India, where Superboys of Malegaon continues to receive phenomenal support.
Q: What upcoming projects do you have?
A: I have several exciting projects lined up. In April, my series First Copy will release on Amazon MX Player. It stars Munawar Faruqui, with me in a parallel lead, set in the world of early 2000s first-copy businesses. On May 1, my first Telugu film, HIT 3, releases. Nani sir plays a cop investigating a homicide, and I have a significant role in the story. I have a cameo in an upcoming Vikas Bahl film starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Wamiqa Gabbi. Love in Vietnam, an Indo-Vietnamese collaboration starring Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur, is special to me. Working with a foreign crew was an enriching experience. In April, I will begin shooting for a comedy film under Saregama Ayodhya Films. The script reminds me of Priyadarshan’s legendary comedies, and I’m eager to explore this genre.
