The decision to break away from Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms has left Iqbal Khan depressed, but determined.

"I guess it had to happen. But I can never forget what Ekta and Balaji have done for me. I'd have been just another struggler in Bollywood. Ekta's 'Kaisa Yeh Pyarr Hai' gave me status and fan following. And I'll always remain grateful for that," Iqbal told.

"If she asks me to work for her again, I would do so without a second thought. But for now Dec 25 is my last day at Balaji," said Iqbal, who can also be seen in Ekta's "Karam Apna Apna".

But for now Iqbal is taking a much-needed break and is making plans for his wedding in January.

"For two months I'll concentrate on getting my act together. I've been working unearthly hours. Now I need time to get married. I need to spend time with fiancée Sneha. My parents are in town. I haven't been able to spend a moment with them.

"When I get married and have children I don't want them to look at me as if I'm a stranger in the house. I need to balance my working hours and a family life, which I haven't been able to do so far."

"It's in January. And then Sneha and I will go on our long honeymoon. I'm not thinking about the future right now. Whatever has to happen will happen. But I want to make it clear I won't run to any rival company just to keep myself busy. What kind of a light would that show me in?"