Eijaz Khan: Respect cops after doing Encounter

Highlights

• Popular TV actor Eijaz Khan, who is playing a cop in Encounter, has said the real-life encounter of gangster Maya Dolas in Mumbai was recreated on small screen in the show.
• The encounter was depicted on the silver screen in Bollywood film Shootout At Lokhandwala earlier. In the show, Chetan Hansraj will play the role of the dreaded gangster.
• "I have not taken any references from anyone. But I made sure that I got their (policemen) mannerisms correct right from holding guns to how they stand and behave in front of their seniors. I hope that I have portrayed them properly," Eijaz told PTI.
• Eijaz said this was his first role as a cop. "After wearing uniform, the authority comes automatically. It was a good experience," he said, adding the shootout incident is "fictionalised" to a certain extent for the show.
• Eijaz, who has grown a moustache for the role, said his perception towards policemen changed after doing this show.
• "The perception has definitely changed. It is easy to criticise and say anything about them (cops). One should stand for 12-16 hours, work round-the-clock leaving behind their personal life. I look upto them, salute, respect and sympathise with them," said Eijaz who was last seen in Punarvivah 2.
• Eijaz said he was not interested in doing reality shows. "I am not that keen on doing reality shows. Dancing interests me, it's a passion for me but not competition. I was offered Jhalak Dikhla Jaa last season but due to my shoulder injury, I couldn't do the show. I am ok with it," he said.