Men are ashamed to talk about sexual molestation, says Khalid Siddiqui

MUMBAI: Khalid Siddiqui will soon be seen in a film, #MeTooMainBhi, which is about male child molestation. The actor says men feel ashamed to talk about their own sexual abuse, and hopes the movie will open a dialogue around it.

“I am doing one film called #MeTooMainBhi. It is on male child molestation. It is a story of three kids who got molested when they were young and how the episode affected their lives as grownups. Imran Khan is directing the film,” Khalid told IANS here.

On his role, the actor said, “I am one of those kids who grow up and can’t deal with society and family life. The shooting was done in Bhopal.”

Khalid feels men are ashamed to talk about the issue.

“We are not expecting anything to change with a film. But there will be awareness and a dialogue will be opened. Before the #MeToo movement, everyone knew about it, but no one talked about it. Now, thanks to it, people are talking about it.”

The #MeToo movement came into existence with the intention to raise awareness about sexual harassment.

What was your preparation for the role?

“My comfort zone is when I am not smiling and with a serious look. I haven’t smiled at all in this film… That is my comfort zone — which is contrary to what I have done all my life. I was pleasantly surprised to see myself in a completely different zone.”

Khalid says the film is expected to open later this year.

“It should release in August or September. We are planning to go for theatrical release as it has come out really well.”

Year 2018 has been very special for him.

“This is my 25th year in advertising. I shot my first commercial in 1993; it was a tea commercial. If I have to say that I have achieved something in my life, it will be being in advertising for 25 years and still working as a model,” he said.

“It is a big achievement because models’ lives are not more than five or six years,” he added.

The actor is known for Joggers’ Park, Ghajini, Saath Nibhana Saathiya, Maharakshak: Aryana, and Rishta Likhenge Hum Naya. He will soon be seen in the Star Plus show Mariam Khan — Reporting Live.

(PHOTOS: Star Plus goes unique with the launch of Mariam)

“My character belongs to a Nawab family. But he doesn’t believe in status. He believes everyone is equal. He is secular. He is ethically right. He calls a spade a spade. He wanted to do journalism from the start.”

The show tells the story of eight-year-old Mariam and her quirky tale and creative mind. It will start beaming on the small screen from 21 May.

Khalid, who will also be seen in Rajinikanth’s Kaala, is not looking to challenge himself, but for happiness.

“Honestly, I don’t want to challenge myself much. I want to live peacefully, and just want to work and be happy — that is my whole idea. I don’t want to reach anywhere because one can never be content with what we have.”