Sikander Kher

Your parents — Anupam and Kirron Kher — are talented actors. Are you burdened by the pressure of great expectations because you are their son?

Yes. When people refer to me as Anupam and Kirron Kher’s son, they are talking about their talent. Both of them are known for their acting. I have heard people saying that they will go and see Sikander’s films only to compare his acting with his parents’.

There is a lot of pressure on me but I am taking it positively. The pressure motivates me to work harder. I know that I cannot relax at any point because I have a responsibility towards my parents. I have a responsibility to the audiences too — I do not want to let anyone down.

Since you are a star son, was it easier for you to get your launch film?

Not really. The only easy part of it was that producers and directors would give me time when I went to their offices. I didn’t have to do the rounds of their offices, day after day. But once I met them, I knew that no one signs you because of your parents, they sign you for what you can do.

Did you join your dad’s acting school Actor Prepares?

Unfortunately, I could not because work on Woodstock Villa had already begun.

Why did you opt to begin your career with two dark films?

Summer of 2007 is not a dark film, it is an issue-based film. It is unfortunate if someone calls an issue-based film a dark film. The theme of the film sheds light on a topic that is relevant to the goings-on in the country, to our youth.

The film focuses on the coming of age of five characters from well-to-do families. They are all ambitious medical students and have to take up a rural medical project, which is compulsory in medical colleges. I play Rahul, who is their unspoken leader. He makes most of the decisions on their behalf.

Woodstock Villa is a thriller. And thrillers are generally dark; one cannot have a lovey-dovey thriller.

Though titled Summer of 2007, the film is releasing in 2008...

The title is very apt. Summer of 2007 is about a summer that proves to be eventful.

There is a confusion about which one will be your debut film...

The confusion will be sorted out when the film releases; you will know which film is the first one when it hits the theatres.

Which would you say is the better launch vehicle?

I have worked hard in both the films. Don’t you think it is a bit unfair to expect me to name just one film?

How would you define yourself as an actor?

I’m only two films old, I’m just starting out. I’m a newcomer. As far as acting is concerned, I need to learn a lot. I cannot define myself as an actor because I don’t have a large body of work behind me. One gets defined only after one starts doing more films.

Was acting the first career option for you?

Yes. As far as I can remember, I always wanted to be an actor. I nurtured dreams of becoming an actor since I was four years old.

Before you started acting, you assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Devdas. What was that experience like?

Before Devdas, I assisted Yash Uncle during Dil To Pagal Hai. I had just finished my tenth grade. I assisted Sanjay (Bhansali) Sir after my twelfth grade. Working with both of them was fantastic. We all know the kind of films that Yash Uncle has made. Mr Bhansali is phenomenal in his sense of colour, his sets, his music, his grandness and his eye for detail.

When will we see the entire Kher family together on screen?

There should be a good script and a great subject. They should not be there just for the heck of being there. The roles have to be important. I don’t think my parents will agree to be mere props in a film just because I am there. They are the ones who will make the decision but it will be great fun to work with my parents.