Renowned stand-up comedian Zakir Khan has made a significant announcement regarding his career, revealing that he will be taking a break from comedy to prioritize his health and well-being. This decision comes after a video clip went viral on social media last week, where Khan shared his intentions with fans, sparking widespread discussion and concern among his followers.
Health Concerns and Hereditary Factors
In a detailed interview with Gulf News, Zakir Khan opened up about the reasons behind his break, highlighting long-standing health issues. He explained that there are certain genetic illnesses in his family that tend to manifest after a particular age, making it crucial for him to address these concerns proactively. Khan candidly admitted, "I need to take care of my health. There are certain genetic illnesses in my family that tend to surface after a particular age."
Additionally, Khan acknowledged that his own lifestyle choices have contributed to his health challenges. He described years of intense touring, with minimal sleep and irregular schedules, stating, "On top of that, I've damaged my body myself, sleeping for just two hours and then going on to meet thousands of people. Because the moment you land in a city, you immediately start meeting people." This relentless pace, he noted, has taken a toll on his physical condition.
Decade of Dedication and Its Impact
Zakir Khan reflected on nearly a decade of prioritizing work above all else, driven by a sense of responsibility as the first generation in his family to achieve such widespread success. He emphasized his desire to "build some bridges" for future generations, but this commitment came at a cost. "When you keep your foot on the accelerator for ten straight years, the body is bound to take a hit," he remarked.
Last year, while touring in the United States, Khan realized that managing health alongside his demanding career was no longer feasible. This realization prompted his decision to step back temporarily. He shared, "I initially thought I'd manage health alongside work. But last year, when we were in the US, I realised that it wouldn't be possible to do both together. That's when I made this decision."
Clarifying the Break Duration
Addressing speculation from a viral clip that suggested he might be away from stand-up until around 2030, Zakir Khan clarified that this timeframe was specific to his return to Hyderabad. He explained, "That was something I said specifically for Hyderabad. When I will take a break and then later restart work, it will take time for me to return to Hyderabad. But it won't be a break that long." This indicates that while the break is necessary, it may not span several years as some fans feared.
Passion for Comedy and Future Goals
Despite the break, Zakir Khan's love for comedy remains unwavering. He expressed his deep affection for the art form, stating, "I absolutely love stand-up, and I want to do it even when I'm 80. And to be able to do that, this is necessary." He plans to use this time to focus on improving his health, adding, "I'll try to be as healthy as possible. I'll work on it."
Last year, Khan had also taken to Instagram to share his struggles, revealing that he had been feeling unwell for over a year but continued working due to perceived necessity. In his post, he detailed the exhausting aspects of his touring life, including:
- Performing two to three shows in a day
- Enduring sleepless nights and early morning flights
- Maintaining no fixed timetable for meals
He wrote, "I've been touring for the last ten years. Though I'm extremely blessed to receive your love and affection, touring this extensively is not good or healthy." Khan emphasized that while he loves being on stage, he now recognizes the importance of taking a break before it's too late, leading to a limited India tour and a planned long hiatus after recording a special.
This announcement underscores the growing awareness among public figures about the importance of mental and physical health, even in high-pressure careers like entertainment. Zakir Khan's decision serves as a reminder of the need for balance and self-care in pursuit of long-term goals.
