Busy juggling both screens

When thinking of Adil Ibrahim, the first image that comes to our mind would be his television avatar. Most of us believe that he is an anchor-turned-actor, but it is the other way around. “I am an actor-turned-anchor,” he says with a smile. “I started my career with movies. Television made me popular. Now, I want to become popular as an actor,” adds Adil, whose movie Hello Dubaikaran, directed by Harishree Yousuf, hits the theatres on November 10.

In the movie, he plays Prakashan, a man who is obsessed with working in Dubai. Speaking about the role he says “During Prakashan’s childhood, there was a Hamsakka in his neighbourhood, who worked in Dubai. People admired him and respected him, which sowed the seeds of Dubai obsession in Prakshan’s mind.”

“However, as per his horoscope, there would be obstacles, but if he could conquer them, there would be no looking back. The rest of the movie revolves around Prakashan’s attempts to reach Dubai,” says Adil, who lives in Dubai.

“Since I was born and brought up in Dubai, I was curious to know this side. Hence, chose this movie. It is a full-on comedy movie.” Adil hopes it would entertain the Malayali audience.

On mini-screen, Adil is reaping praises for his presentation in Still Standing, an infotainment programme broadcast on Mazhavil Manorama. The show is entirely different from his previous show D3 and has given him a new face. “D3 was fun but had a hectic schedule. So, I thought I would take a break from TV after D3,” says Adil. But, then he got a call from Manorama and when briefed about Still Standing, Adil liked it very much. “I felt it was different and that it would give me a different image. Schedules were also fine. I decided to give it a shot,” says Adil. If we have seen a crazy, whacky Adil in D3, Still Standing shows a different Adil. It is a show where Adil can be himself. The show follows an internationally accepted format. Those who fail to give the right answer in the stipulated time would fall down. “Initially, people were apprehensive about the fall. But, that is its fun element. It is not harmful. The concept is that the last standing person emerges as the winner,” says Adil.

For him, the bright side of the show is that it lets him meet a lot of people. “I like that. Once, a daily wage worker came as one challenger. He was not a highly educated person. His knowledge comes from reading. And, he stole everyone’s heart,” he recalls. There are challenges too. Sometimes, he has to work hard to bring the contestant on track. “But, I am happy that the show is well-received. It has a niche audience. Children and senior persons love it. There is only positive feedback.”