Showing posts with label Sikandar Kher interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sikandar Kher interview. Show all posts
No one’s job is threatened if stars come on OTT-Sikandar Kher
8:14 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 7, 2021)
With theatres shut for major part the year, 2020 saw a boom in OTT platforms, with big Bollywood stars making their presence felt as either actors or producers. Sikandar Kher, however, feels stars can’t take away jobs from those who’re already doing good work on the web.
“I don’t think anyone’s job is under threat because stars are coming on OTT. People are going where they want to go, doing what they want to do. You’ve to forget that and just focus on yourself,” he shares.
The actor, who starred in web series Aarya and MumBhai last year, believes in keeping a positive outlook when it comes to work. “If you start thinking, ‘Arrey yahan ab apna kuchh nahi hoga, woh log (big stars) aa gaye hain’, then you’re already looking at it in a very negative way. I don’t look at it like that. Whatever is supposed to come my way will come,” he explains.
Kher received a lot of praise for his performance in Aarya, alongside Sushmita Sen. Asked if it made people in Bollywood see him in a new light, he quips, “It’s about something doing well and yes, Aarya was a successful show.”
The actor also admits that there have been more misses that hits in his career. “Unfortunately, my films didn’t do so well. If any of the films were successful, may be a character would have stayed with you... If an actor’s work gets noticed, his career trajectory changes,” says the actor, who has starred in films such as Aurangzeb (2013), Romeo Akbar Walter (2019) and will be seen next in Sooryavanshi.
I learnt not to expect anything as expectations lead to disappointments-Sikandar Kher
8:39 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 10, 2020)
“I am overwhelmed and it’s been wonderful,” says actor Sikandar Kher, about the response to his latest web show Aarya. “The show has received so much love. I am happy that people enjoyed it.”
Kher’s acting career started with Woodstock Villa (2008) and since then, he has been part of a few films including Players (2012) and Aurangzeb (2013). He was also seen in the TV show, 24, but calls the reaction to his latest show, “a new and different feeling”.
He acknowledges that he’s been through his share of personal and professional lows, and shares, “There was a time when I didn’t work at all for two to three years, but my parents (actors Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher) would always tell me to keep working. I feel lucky to be in a place where I don’t have to worry about paying rent or making ends meet.”
But other than that, Kher admits that one does feel low when things don’t work out. “When you feel low, know that nothing is permanent in this world. Acting is my passion and I will keep at it. No one told me to do this.”
With the nepotism debate going on in Bollywood, ask him about being a star kid, and he says, “My parents have never spoken to anyone for a role for me. And I wouldn’t want them to as it’d be embarrassing. Sure, knowing people in the industry got me a meeting, at times, but never a role. I had to go through the same grind as others. Failure teaches you a lot more than anything else. I learnt not to expect anything as expectations lead to disappointments. I’ve seen my father go through highs and lows and his desire to keep working doesn’t stop. I learnt overtime that I should just keep trying.”
Good things come to those who wait, says Sikandar Kher on Aarya
9:00 AM
Winning acclaim for his brooding act in Aarya, Sikandar Kher on tasting success after 12 years in showbiz
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 7, 2020)
"It's the first time my project has worked," chuckles Sikandar Kher. Almost 12 years since his foray into the industry, the actor is winning acclaim for his brooding performance as Daulat in Ram Madhvani's Aarya on Hotstar. "I am almost never excited about my work because I have done a lot of projects and none of them have fared well, besides Romeo Akbar Walter [2019]. [In these years] my reaction to work has ranged from extreme excitement to acute disappointment. Now, I have directed all my attention to choosing solid stories."
Kher reveals that he was not on Madhvani's radar, but bagged the part thanks to a powerful audition. "Casting director Abhimanyu Ray tested me and Ram liked the audition. He extracted a performance out of me that left me surprised. There are directors, and then, there are makers; Ram is the latter."
A man who lets his actions do the talking, Daulat is a potent character who influences the narrative of the Sushmita Sen-led crime drama. Surprisingly though, the audience is given only a few instances to understand the character in all his complexity. In a striking scene, Daulat is seen playing with a puppy — a rare instance of him displaying his tender side. Kher says the director and he charted an elaborate backstory for the character. "We realised Daulat is a guy who lost his family at a young age. Zorawar brought him up and absorbed him into the family business. So, he is functioning out of a moral debt. As Aarya and he grew up around each other, he started loving her, only to realise later that the relationship can never be. Daulat is built loyal, but his morals are not skewed as is evident in the last episodes."
Kher who previously starred in 24 (2016) notes that the audience's response towards shows has changed in the past few years. "Had 24 released now, it probably would have been received better. Abhinay Deo [director] had made a brilliant show."
John Abraham made me so comfortable that I could experiment with my character-Sikandar Kher
8:27 AM
John Abraham’s nemesis in RAW, Sikandar Kher on learning local dialect for his Pakistani ISI agent role
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; March 29, 2019)
With John Abraham delivering two successive hits last year in Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran and Satyameva Jayate, Sikandar Kher knew he’d have to put up a tough front before the actor in Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW). “I’d constantly worry about putting up [a pale performance] before him, because I am his nemesis in the film. But, he made me so comfortable that I could experiment with my character. Also, even after his shot, he would hang around on set and chat with his co-actors and technicians,” says Kher.
Well aware that the role of a Pakistani ISI agent has been explored on the big screen umpteen times, Kher says he was keen to make his act distinct, so that it could stand out from the rest. “I realised that one of the things that I could do is work on the dialect. I met Ishraq bhai [Shah, unit member], who has written some of the dialogues of the film, and asked him to help me learn the Pakistani lehza. I found it a little difficult to nab. There are certain pockets in Pakistan where locals speak in Urdu with a Punjabi twang. Being a Punjabi, I thought it was something I could attempt. So, we started working on it. I worked on my accent and would constantly seek his feedback. The process went on for a month,” says the actor, adding that the unit would even incorporate dialogues that accentuated the dialect. “The result has left me creatively satisfied.”
Up next, Kher had Dulquer Salmaan and Sonam K Ahuja’s The Zoya Factor in his kitty. “I enjoyed exploring the character of Sonam’s brother since I don’t actually have siblings. Sonam is my neighbour, so, working with her was fun.”
Rahul Khanna and Sikandar Kher's budding bromance is taking social media by storm
8:26 AM
This duo has followers hooked on the social media with their unfiltered conversations and quirky humour
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 20, 2018)
Those who follow Sikandar Kher and Rahul Khanna on Instagram are privy to their unfiltered conversations which often raise chuckles. The banter brings out the actors’ quirky sense of humour that has gone untapped on screen. It also showcases a bond not many outside of the duo’s friends circle are aware of.
Sikander when contacted guffawed in acknowledgement, “Yes, I’m always passing some comment or the other on Rahul’s posts.” He however surprised by admitting that though they both belong to film families — Rahul is Vinod Khanna’s son and Sikander Kirron and Anupam Kher’s — they weren’t chaddi-buddies. “I’m much younger than that generation so I wouldn’t say we are bumchums. We were part of the same circle and knew each other but we really connected during Games Night some time ago and now catch up regularly, hanging out together with industry friends and playing a general knowledge game called Articulate. It’s competitive and great fun,” he exults.
The actor loves his new buddie’s sharp wit and gives Rahul credit for taking his comments sportingly instead of misunderstanding or misinterpreting things and getting offended. “It’s all fun for us, we don’t bother about who’s reading the comments. If anybody chances on them and find them entertaining, super!” Sikandar shrugs nonchalantly, saying these posts and chats have encouraged him to try his hand at stand-up comedy. “I put up some fun videos during the just concluded FIFA World Cup and many seemed to enjoy them going by their encouraging comments.”
On the work front, the 36-year-old actor has wrapped up his portions in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Milan Talkies and is currently shooting for RAW - Romeo Akbar Walter, which features John Abraham and Jackie Shroff in the lead roles. “I head back to Gujarat in a day. I’m looking forward to more work so the audience can see different sides of me, like these chats with Rahul have brought my sense of humour to light,” he signs off with a laugh.
I have not had hits... it’s great, because failure makes you stronger-Sikandar Kher
7:59 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 24, 2018)
A few weeks ago, actor Anupam Kher celebrated his 37-year-long journey in Mumbai with a local train ride from CSMT station to Bandra. Today, his son, actor Sikandar Kher has a reason to rejoice. The actor is back in the reckoning. Last week, he joined John Abraham and the team of Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW), on a set that has recreated the milieu of 1971. The espionage thriller is currently being shot in the city and will soon travel to Gujarat and Nepal.
Sikandar, who plays John’s nemesis in the film, says, “I’ve only shot for two days and it has been great. I got a chance to work with John, which is awesome, because he’s cool and has so much experience in getting this far on his own. His experience will definitely teach me a thing or two. Robbie Grewal (director) is damn good to work with.”
He adds, “The prep for this film has been more mental than physical. Though preps fill you with confidence, you’re still nervous while facing the camera on the first day. Yes, you’re armed to take on your part, but there is a degree of excitement and anxiety.”
Ask him how it feels to be part of a reasonably big-ticket project, and the actor says, “Today, my priority is to get more work. That is the energy I send out into the universe when I go out there and ask for work. I audition, I reach out to people and when I get the work, I tell my parents about it. They have never made calls for me and I’d be really embarrassed if they did. It feels great to tell friends, ‘Yaar, I’m not available, I am caught up with work today’.”
Sikandar believes that there is no better teacher than failure. After trying hard to find his feet in the industry, facing numerous box-office duds and dabbling in television, the actor seems to have turned wiser and stronger. He elaborates, “I have not had hits; none of my films have done well which is great because you learn the most from failure and it makes you stronger. It has taught me never to get very excited about anything. It’s detachment in a good way, which is taught in the Bhagavad Gita.”
I love sleeping in my own bed, still feel 24-Sikandar Kher
7:45 AM
Sikandar Kher after breaking off his engagement is happy to live at his parents' forever
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 15, 2016)
On January 30, 2016, Anupam Kher took to the social media to announce:
"Happy to share that our dearest @sikandarbk got engaged to wonderful
Priya Singh, d/o dear Jasjit & Kavita Singh :)" Five-and-a-half
months later, the engagement has been called off. Priya is Anil Kapoor's wife, Sunita's neice. Sikandar is Kirron's son from her first marriage to Gautam Berry. She had lost her first fiance, Ashish Mahbubani, to a heart attack in 2015, and found love again with Sikandar. But within weeks of making their relationship official, there was trouble in paradise, reportedly over Sikandar's erratic lifestyle. Frequent fights eventually led to the split.
When Mirror caught up with the 34-year-old actor at a Suburban five-star, he announced right away, "I will talk about anything under the sun except my broken engagement. It's personal and there is a very young girl involved. I'd also want my partner to keep quiet about the split."
He went on to say that though he hasn't made it big yet, unlike other struggling actors he doesn't have to worry about paying the rent or looking for work. "By the grace of God, I have a roof over my head," he points out, adding that with the wedding called off, he has no intentions of moving out of his parent's home. "I had thought of moving out, but life is too comfortable here. I love sleeping in my own bed and still feel 24. Even if I buy a house of my own, I won't be able to afford the staff. The grass maybe greener on the other side for most people, but I like my grass just fine."
He admits that he'd love to sign lots of films and be successful. But he's learnt to look at life as if it were a boxing ring where you keep getting knocked out, but each time he's back on his feet for the next round. He acknowledges that he's been through his share of personal and professional lows. "But I'm inherently a happy person and don't like moping about the past. Now I have nothing to lose, I am free. I've no ego now and I'm in the best phase of my life. It's pointless dwelling in the past," he shrugs, recalling a phase when he'd walk around with audition videos on his laptop, which he showed to everyone. "I'd landed on the sets of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and shown them to Salman (Khan). He was impressed."
His neighbour and uncle Anil Kapoor too offered him the role of the villain, Haroon Sherchand, in the second season of his upcoming TV series, 24, based on the English TV show of the same name. This was the first role Sikandar bagged without an audition.
Apart from 24, Sikandar will also be seen in the second season of the Hollywood TV series, Sense8, a role he had to audition for and later filmed at Babulnath.
"The only advantage star kids enjoy is that they have access to a top director or producer. But nobody bets money on you because of who your father is," he reveals, adding that he's more focussed and pro-active now, he's even hired a publicist!
But does he continue to run to mummy Kirron and papa Anupam for advice? "My father's very clear — just get up, audition and go ask for work. My mom, on the other hand, will tell people to give me a role. Well, any mother would," he reasons.
I discovered myself as an actor in Tere Bin Laden: Dead Or Alive-Sikandar Kher
1:24 PM
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; February 27, 2016)
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.
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.
I became so unrecognisable that I went into hiding-Sikandar Kher
7:44 AM
Sikandar Kher on going bald, putting on 16 kilos and generally becoming unrecognisable
Upala KBR (DNA; January 22, 2016)
I am meeting Sikandar Kher after years. He’s lost so
much weight, he is almost unrecognisable. Lassi and vegetable sandwiches
are laid out for us at his Juhu home. ‘Delicious’, I say, and he
laughs. That’s because he hasn’t made them. That’s Siku (as his friends
call him) trademark, wry, self-deprecating humour. The actor has been
missing from the big screen as well as the social scene for quite a
while. Now he is putting himself out there for the release of his next
film Tere Bin Laden Dead Or Alive in which he has a double role. Here
he talks about landing a role like Robert Downey Jr, getting an Texas
accent and times when he almost gave up on being an actor.
Sequels are working now. Are you on safe ground?
Absolutely. I am really hoping that it works not just for myself, but everyone connected to the film. I am looking forward to at least one film that does well or is a hit. Who doesn’t want that? Everything is crossed — from fingers, toes and whatever else is crossable. It’s a funny film, and usually people like to see light-hearted and fun films.
You have a double role in the film.
Yes. I had great fun playing these roles. I always wanted to do a comedy. People close to me would always say that I should do a comedy. But I was always waiting for the right kind of comedy. Humour is something you just need to connect with, for it to translate well. I met Abhishek (Sharma, director) in an editing studio and he gave me the one line basic plot and I was in splits! Abhishek looks so unassuming but he himself is a quirky, fun guy and the way he was narrating it, made me laugh. I connected with it and I said, ‘dude, if it’s a comedy this is what I want to do.’ He told me about two characters – David DoSomething, a white guy who comes to India on a secret mission disguised as a Punjabi film producer. So David DoSomething, who is David Chadda, under disguise. This is a once-in-a-lifetime role for any actor and very tough for an actor. I was fortunate. People might not get a character like this in their own lifetime. I can only remember another film like this Tropic Thunder where Robert Downey Jr played a white and an African-American, so it’s rare for roles like this to happen. I wasn’t scared or worried to take it on. I knew I could so totally do this.
Which David was easier to play?
The American one – it just came out naturally. I was comfortable playing the American part because I have been fooling around with accents my whole life – Russian, American etc. I have a Texan drawl in this film (he suddenly changes his accent into a Texan one). It’s like I do this. I like India and I do this since I was a very small child (laughs and switches back to his usual accent again). I kept watching a lot of Texan videos and movies. I had somebody who was helping me out. She would give me sound clips and some words like y’all and Gawdang it, for me to listen to. Once I cracked the accent automatically I found the character so the body language etc all came together. I was concerned about playing the loud, Punjabi Chadda as I wasn’t getting the Punjabi accent. I didn’t want it to be OTT, though it should have been easier for me as I am a Sardar, my mom’s a Jat Sikh. We started the Punajbi workshops and then it just clicked. I don’t know if it sounds spiritual, but it all just comes from somewhere. This film is one where I really discovered myself. I feel that I can do and it’s what I am supposed to do. My life till now has not been filled with success so there have always been question marks – can I do it?
Looking back, was it a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket?
Maybe I am choosy in some respects, but I am really not that choosy if you see my past record. Sometimes, stuff doesn’t work out the way you plan it in your head you don’t get the best things that you probably want to get. I am not saying be a hero but the role has to be something I like. People are different at different times, at different ages in their lives going through different things. My life has been very out there. I have done a lot, seen a lot, I am a complete extrovert – so I had to also find myself somewhere, find my own groove…
Have there been times that you wanted to give up on being an actor?
Of course… I have gone through those dark times in the last few years when I was not signing films or getting the kind of roles I wanted… I am not saying I want to play a hero, but even the supporting roles I got were not worth taking up. There are days when you feel depressed and frustrated and ask yourself, ‘Did I make the right choice when I became an actor?’ But I am blessed to have such wonderful parents who have spent years in this industry. When I became an actor, they prepared me for the pitfalls that would arise and the struggle I’d have to go through. I think I am an optimist by nature and I have this tendency to bounce back. Today I feel there’s always a right time for everything. When the time is right, things will happen. That’s what made me survive those dark times. No regrets at all, because those experiences have made me what I am today – stronger with an irrevocable faith in the Universe.
There was a big gap between your last film and next..
That wasn’t by choice. The kind of roles I got weren’t what I wanted to do. I hope with Tere Bin Laden people will get to know what I am capable of. It’s something I have put my heart and soul into…
What was the toughest part of this film?
Being American, I had to wear blue lenses and a mouthpiece so I had slightly protruding teeth. But giving up my hair was the toughest part…I went bald for the first time in my life. First we decided to use a latex bald cap over which I wore a wig. Then one day Abhishek said it wasn’t working and if could I shave off my hair? I flatly refused. I was horrified! How could I shave off my hair? Then I realized that it truly wasn’t working out with the cap. I agonised about it long and hard and figured it was a role I wanted so badly to do why couldn’t I shave my hair for it? I went home took a razor and did a buzz cut myself holding my phone as a camera and mirror. The next day, I went to a barber and asked him to make me completely bald.
Is that why you disappeared from the social scene?
Of course! I was not just bald but also fat. I became so unrecognisable that I went into hiding. I had to put on 16 kilos for the role. I ate everything! I used to go on 3 am binges. People would look at me with pity thinking here’s this actor who’s become bald and fat out of sheer frustration of not getting roles… (Laughs) I thought it better to be in hiding than give rise to speculation. Losing weight was tougher. I followed a diet and would walk 15 km every day till I lost what weight I had gained.
Most of your friends are married with kids… When are you planning to get married?
I guess it will happen when I meet the right girl.
I’m in touch with Gul Panag but I want my mother to win-Sikandar Kher
7:53 AM
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 8, 2014)
Far
from film sets, Gul Panag (AAP) and Kirron Kher (BJP) are engaged in a
bitter electoral battle for the Chandigarh constituency. And Kirron’s
son Sikandar is not too comfortable with the situation because at one
time Gul and he were in a steady relationship.What made it even more awkward for him was when the two ladies started a high-decibel war on a social networking site last month.
It began with Gul launching a direct attack on the senior actress saying, “I doubt if I’ll have the energy to run around like this and serve my people when I’m 60. I guess that’s why there’s normally a retirement age.”
Kirron replied to this jibe with, “My father is 101 years old and still happening. He said, ‘Good Luck Puttar. You have always been a winner.’ For me Life starts at 60.”
Back from a five-day scuba diving course in Thailand, Sikandar tries to shrug off the Kirron vs Gul war of words saying, “I stay away from politics. I am not campaigning for my mom and I will not even be going to Chandigarh on poll day. But I am happy for her. My mom has very strong views on most subjects and I wish her all the best.”
Quizzed about the Twitter war between the two firebrand candidates which got quite personal, he shot back, “Elections ki baat hai, it’s common for candidates from opponent parties to lash out at each other.”
So which party, according to him, is at an advtantage right now? “There is a saffron wave blowing through the country. BJP should emerge victorious,” Sikandar asserts, quickly adding, “Why did you ask me these questions? This is not a battle betwween my mom and Gul only. It’s a three-way fight between Kirron Kher, Gul Panag and Pawan Kumar Bansal (Congress).”
Doesn’t he have fond memories of Gul? Is he still in touch with her? “Absolutely,” he replies. “But I want my mother to win. She will be good for Chandigarh. When it’s your mom who’s contesting, any child would root for her.”
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