Actor Iqbal honeymooned in Maldives to avoid embarrassment

Television artist Iqbal Khan surprisingly chose not to honeymoon at any of those exotic spots that his new bride Sneha selected on the net because he was not sure he will get a visa.

"After the experience I went through some months ago who knows how the immigration authorities would've reacted to my name," Iqbal told IANS.

The actor, who was seen in series like "Kyun Hota Hai Pyarr" and "Karam Apna Apna", referred to his humiliating experience with the American consulate which rejected his visa plea some months ago arguing that his name suggested terrorist links.

"I'd rather not think about these things. There're enough holiday spots in our own country for my wife and me. We had a week of bliss in the Maldives. And our honeymoon is still on since I'm not working.

The couple is technically back from their honeymoon but they continue to be in the honey-mode.

"We make it a point to watch at least one film every day in the theatre. And if not in the theatre then we watch a DVD. Both Sneha and I have become diehard movie buffs."

He says he is enjoying his break from acting.

"Marriage so far has been an extended honeymoon. There were no adjustments with each other or our families since we've known each other for years now."

Iqbal and Sneha's first post-marriage Valentine's Day was a unique experience.

"We were caught in a traffic jam for hours. So, we spent our Valentine's Day trapped in the traffic. No sweat, as long as we were together."

The actor is working out rigorously and trying to keep himself in shape for his next leap.

"Lately, I had put on a lot of weight. Now when I return viewers will see the taut character Angad that they saw in 'Kyun Hota Hai Pyarr' when I first appeared on television."

Iqbal, who left Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms in December, has yet to make up his mind about his next work move.

"I've had very tempting offers from Zee, Sony and STAR. But I've said no to all of them. I don't want to go back to doing the same thing. Whatever I do has to be a step forward."