Sikandar Kher is as much in love with life, as he is with the movies. With Kirron Kher (MP from Chandigarh) and Padma Bhushan recipient Anupam Kher as his parents, this industry kid has had a privileged upbringing. He is keener now than ever before to experiment with his roles. For the quirky comedy Tere Bin Laden: Dead Or Alive (TBL:DOA), which released yesterday , he put on 18 kilos and even went bald. This is what the actor, who is winning good reviews for his dual role in the film, had to say about the whole experience...

You must have had some reservations about becoming fat and bald for a role.
I would be lying if I said I didn't. I'm playing two characters in the satire. One is a white guy called David Dosomething while the other one is a brown guy called David Chaddha. Both were brilliantly written roles and I wasn't going to miss the opportunity of doing it. Yet, when director Abhishek Sharma suggested that I shave my head, I balked. My hair holds a special place in my heart. I have worn it long for several years. I had cut it short for a role but going bald was a complete no, no. We were initially planning to use a latex cap. But one day, when I was home all by myself, I said, 'What the hell, why don't I just shave off my hair?' I started the experiment with my own hair clipper and even recorded the whole thing on my phone. Later, I went to the barber and shaved it all off. My director was pleasantly surprised. As far as putting on weight was concerned, I was more than happy to do so. Most filmmakers want an actor to get buffed up and sport a sixpack for their roles. Here, I was getting a chance to put on 18 kilos. I wasn't going to miss the chance. So, I ate and was merry for the better part of the shoot.

How did you knock off all that flab?
I walk for around 12-15 kilometres every morning without fail. I'm also monitoring my diet. And here I am, looking the way I do in the pictures you are printing. The nice thing is that I had put on 18 kilos but I managed to knock off 22. This whole weight gain-weight loss process happened during the entire filming and for a year after. I knew that when this movie releases, I would need to come back to what I was.

When you went fat and bald for the character, weren't you worried that if another film came in the interim, you wouldn't be able to accept it?
To start with, offers weren't pouring in (laughs). Of course, I believe that when opportunity knocks at your door, you should always be ready  But this was a role of a lifetime. I must tell you that when TBL:DOA came my way, I also got an opportunity to play the main villain opposite a superstar, where I had to look perfect. I was tempted to take it up because it was a big-banner film. On the other hand, TBL:DOA neither had the budget nor the stars but the role was amazing. So, I chose this. I have done five movies until now and none of them have done well. But I wanted to give this one all I have.

You said this film also worked as a journey of self-discovery.
Yes, it has. It has been the best experience I have had till date. Now, if films are offered to me, I know the right questions to ask about my role. TBL:DOA and my television series 24 have come out beautifully. Today, I know how to make a real transformation for a role. For me, it is not about being a hero. Gone are the days of the hero, villain, etc. Today if you can portray your character well, you will find the right amount of appreciation. Everyone is given a chance. I want to do everything-comedy, thrillers, action, drama, as long as it is exciting and I can make it my own. God has given me a lot. I'm happy that my physical attributes are good. I need to be patient and find the right roles. From here on, I just want to enjoy he process of acting. Earlier, as an actor, I had a lot of confusion. In the past, the roles that I had done may have needed some nurturing, but I never understood the inner nuances because I wasn't really looking at roles like that. However, in the case of TBL:DOA, I understood what was needed and got into the skin of the character. I wanted to do it the right way. I discovered myself as an actor in this film. I am my biggest critic. I did projects with big banners in the past but I didn't do real ilms. By the grace of God, I have a house to live in and I have food on my plate, so I have the liberty to choose. That is God's blessing. I am not a guy from another city, who is struggling. I do not need to pay rent or cut costs to survive in Mumbai. Mine is a much easier situation. However, dad would always advise me to keep working. You know, I am a believer in destiny. If the dual roles of David were written 20 years earlier or 20 years later, I may not have been he right choice. I have not seen a role like this ever written in cine ma. I have fooled around with accents and had fun. But I'm happy that Abhishek put so much faith in me and got out a performance that I'm proud of. I'm doing 24 where I am playing a guy from Gorakhpur who is the villain. I could tackle that because now I have an idea of what it is to make that character my own. These characters are poles apart but I am discovering myself as an actor. I am enjoying the process of acting like never before. I would never have spoken like this in an interview because I didn't know. A lot has to do with this film. I am still a work in progress but I am enjoying the acting experience.

What is your parents' take on your current work situation?
Mom and dad are my greatest support system. Anything that you say about my parents will always be less. They are both from the film industry. They know an actor's journey is about ups and downs. I have seen it because I have grown up in the industry. They always told me that it is a tough field and you have to be mentally and physically strong. Dad is an inspiration. He tells me not to fear failure.

You are more confident today than ever before...
The fact that I haven't made it big until now has made me nanga (naked). I have nothing to fear. For me, this is just the start because I am going to have fun. The two characters I did in the film made me bald and fat but there was no fear of looking ugly or ungainly. I went along for the ride and I'm happy with the result. There is no pressure; there is nothing that I have to live up to.

You recently got engaged to Anil Kapoor's niece Priya Singh. When are you getting married?
We haven't set a date for our marriage yet.

Has anything changed between Anil and you after the engagement? He is from the bride's side now...
Anil uncle has been such a support in my life. Dad and he go way back. He has always been encouraging and has so much faith in me. It is almost like we have a karmic connection. I showed him three scenes of TBL:DOA and that is when he offered me 24. He and I are like friends, but I know at the back of my head that he is 'Anil uncle'. He is an institution in himself, yet he is so awesome and easy to work with.

We heard you met Priya at his birthday party last year?
I have known Priya for many years because she is Sunita aunty's niece. I would bump into her at Anil uncle's house once in two years. Both of us knew each other in that sense. I always thought she was pretty but I met her at his birthday last December and that is where things clicked. The funny thing is that I was in that party because I was in 24. I know we are going to be related, but on set, Anil uncle is a thorough professional. Not many people are like him. Fair enough, work is work and personal relationships are personal relation ships. But this is a bonus. I'm blessed to have an extra father figure.