Saqib Saleem Aims for Theatrical Comeback with Substantial Lead Roles
Bollywood actor Saqib Saleem, currently captivating audiences as SSP Samardeep in the acclaimed series Kaptaan, has openly expressed his hunger for a powerful return to the big screen. In a revealing interview, Saleem detailed his career aspirations and his specific desire for meaty, headline-worthy roles that are tailored to his evolving skills as a performer.
From Digital Success to Big Screen Ambitions
Saleem's portrayal of Samardeep, a decorated encounter specialist who operates in moral grey areas where justice often supersedes procedure, has been widely praised. This complex role in Kaptaan has allowed him to explore nuanced character shades in a lead capacity, reigniting his passion for substantial acting challenges. However, the actor now feels primed to transition back to theatrical cinema, where he believes his true calling lies.
"Roles Made for Me": Saleem's Career Philosophy
In his conversation with News 18, Saleem articulated a clear vision for his future projects. "I am at a stage where I am really looking for roles made for me," he stated emphatically. "I want meaty roles and I want roles at the headlining stage for myself." Demonstrating proactive determination, he added that he personally reaches out to filmmakers he wishes to collaborate with, rather than waiting for opportunities to come to him.
Reflecting on his artistic growth, Saleem believes his understanding of cinema has deepened significantly over the past decade. This maturity fuels his confidence that better opportunities will emerge following the success of Kaptaan, which recently earned a 3.5-star rating from ETimes and features strong performances from co-stars Vikram Kochhar and Varun Badola.
The Irreplaceable Magic of Theatrical Experience
Saleem's desire for theatrical films stems from both professional success and profound personal connection. "I would love to do a theatrical film, and I have had success in the theatre market, so I want a theatrical film," he explained. He views the cinema hall experience as uniquely special, a sentiment rooted in his own journey.
He nostalgically recalled, "The child who saw a film in Delhi theatres didn't know OTT; I became an actor because I wanted to be seen in a theatre full of people." This early inspiration continues to drive him, motivating his quest to recreate that cinematic magic for contemporary audiences through meaningful, large-screen releases.
Building on a Diverse Career Foundation
Saqib Saleem has cultivated a solid and varied body of work spanning both films and streaming platforms. After making a notable impact with his performance in the sports drama 83, he shifted focus toward digital content, including his current role in Kaptaan. Now, feeling artistically ready for greater challenges, he aims to leverage his digital success as a springboard back to theatrical prominence.
His journey reflects a strategic evolution: from early film roles to digital exploration and now a deliberate push toward headlining cinema projects that fully utilize his honed abilities. Saleem's candid revelations highlight not just a career transition, but a passionate commitment to roles that challenge him as an artist and allow him to showcase his complete skill set on cinema's grandest stage.
