Cezanne Khan

Cézanne Khan is an Indian television actor.^[1] He became famous playing the lead role of Anurag Basu in Ekta Kapoor's TheKroyaard Productions, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, that aired on Star Plus. He has played various, critically acclaimed roles on Pakistani television too.

Early life

Khan was born into a Muslim family in Mumbai, Maharashtra. His father is Ustad Rais Khan, a famous sitarist in Pakistan.^[2] His mother, Tasnim Khan, is an interior designer, whose family also resides in Karachi, Pakistan.^[3][4] His brother, Suhail Khan, is a singer, composer and a sitar player.

He was named after the famous French painter Paul Cézanne.

Khan went to boarding school at Barnes in Deolali. He earned his Bachelor of Communications from M.M.K. College of Commerce & Economics in Bandra, Bombay.

Career

During his college days, he was involved with modelling and then theatre. After Khan completed his B.Com, he was supposed to join NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) for MBA when he was offered a film. This film never released but it made him leave his MBA to pursue a career in acting. Then television happened. Anubhav Sinha offered him a role in his TV serial Hasratein on Zee TV and he accepted the offer. And soon after, he got Neena Gupta's Palchhin and Balaji Telefilms's Kalirein. He also did a bit of acting in B.R.Films' serial Dushman. Meanwhile, he was offered the role of Anurag Basu. KZK catapulted Khan into a household name. As the shy and meek Anurag Basu in Kasautii Zindagi Kay (KZK), he had gained immense popularity. KZK is one of the top serials of Star Plus.

The Indian entertainment world often confused him with Hrithik Roshan's wife, Suzanne Khan. However, after Kasautii Zindagi Kay, he was known by a different name altogether – Anurag Basu.

"I agree that I am more popular as Anurag than by my real name. The role surely is the turning point in my career," says the actor. Due to his immense popularity, he is getting film offers as well. "But I want a lead role and no less. It should also be good and substantial," he seems to have made up his mind.

Cezanne's look in KZK "Though I think looks do matter initially, something like an identity card, but as you move on from one role to the other on television, you have to have substance in you to carry you forward. You should have the charisma to impress the audience to watch you day after day," says Cezanne.

In June 2007 Khan entered Sony TV's Ek Ladki Anjaani Si as Dr. Dhruv Mehra. Khan also hosted The Good Health Show on Zee TV for some time. He acted in few Pakistani TV serials – Piya Ke Ghar Jaana Hai, Silsilay Chahat Ke and Gulnaar Bano (guest appearance).

Kasautii Zindagii Kay

Kasautii Zindagii Kay was aired on Star Plus which was a TV serial in which Khan played the lead role of Anurag Basu for seven years. Anurag is an obedient son of Moloy and Moni Basu. He handles Basu Publication with his father. He married but soon got divorced from his first wife; he then married Komolika and later on Aparna and Sampada.

Ek Ladki Anjaani Si

Ek Ladki Anjaani Si was aired on Sony. In it, Khan played the role of Dr.Dhruv Mehra for almost 5 months. Dr.Dhruv Mehra is a rich Neurosurgeon, who adds major twists and turns to Nikhil and Ananya's life. He is an atheist who does not believe in luck but in himself and is arrogant enough to think that he is the one who grants life to his clients. He feels that he has magic in his hands and when he saves the life of a patient then all the credit should be given to him and not God. He is an overconfident doctor who thinks that he can do anything.

Seeta Aur Geeta

Seeta Aur Geeta is aired on NDTV Imagine in which Khan is playing the role of Suraj, the proverbial Prince Charming. He is the suave, sophisticated owner of an advertising agency. Despite being surrounded by the glitz, glamour & beauty of the fashion world, Suraj longs to fall in love with a simple Indian girl. Sparks fly when he comes across the lovable tomboy Geeta who instantly steals his heart with her refreshing wit & attitude.

Television career

TV shows

Pakistani TV serials

1. Piya Kay Ghar Jana Hai
2. Silsilay Chahat Ke

Special appearances

1. Khulja SimSim (2 episodes, aired on Star Plus)
2. Kandy Floss (1 episode, aired on Sony)
3. Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand (crossover with Kasautii Zindagii Kay, aired on Star Plus)
4. Gulnaar Bano (Pakistani TV serial)

TV commercials

• Dabur Hair Oil

Other projects

• Music Video on song - Yaad Piya Ki by Ustad Sultan Khan, Sadhna Sargam, Suhel Khan
• Title Song in Star Parivaar Awards 2004

Awards and nominations

References