Entertainment | Film & Cinema
Keeping it in the Family
For many stars who are born into acting dynasties, the pressure to uphold their parents' legacy is too big a burden to bear.
- By Abdulla Mahmood, Gulf News Report
- Published: 00:06 June 15, 2008
For many stars who are born into acting dynasties, the pressure to uphold their parents' legacy is too big a burden to bear. Not so for Sikander Kher, who has just made his debut in Woodstock Villa. The son of veteran actors Anupam and Kirron Kher, has garnered praise from the critics even though the film received a lukewarm response. The experience made Kher — a National School of Drama graduate — even more determined to make it on his own merits with his next flick Summer 2007. Here he discusses continuing the family business with tabloid!
How satisfied are you with the response to your debut film, Woodstock Villa?
I am extremely happy with the positive response I have received so far. Almost everyone has praised my performance in my film. I am grateful to Sanjay Dutt and Sanjay Gupta (producers of Woodstock Villa) for launching me in their film and thankful to my parents for helping me reach wherever I am today.
Weren't you supposed to make your debut earlier with Sanjay Bhansali's Saawariya?
No, it was all together a different project. I assisted Bhasali during Devdas and later we discussed a project with an altogether different script that didn't work out. So I was never part of Saawariya right from the beginning.
How much of an advantage it is to be the son of such illustrious parents?
I did not want to use my parents' status in the industry to bag films and wanted to always make it on my own. Yes, I can't deny the fact that being the son of such talented actors eventually gets you acquainted among the people in the industry. Moreover, you end up having friends from the film fraternity. That doesn't make you feel like an outsider. Besides, I can always fall back on my parents or friends in the industry for any advice or guidance when it comes to anything related to films and acting.
Anupam Kher is known for his impeccable comic timing. Do you have a flair for comedy?
My dad is amazing in comic sequences and basically he is tremendous as an actor. I would also love to do comedy and as soon as I get the right project. I will definitely jump at the opportunity of doing a comic film.
It is said Abhishek Bachchan is one of your closest friends. How much of a help has he been to you so far?
Abhishek is like an elder brother to me. He is a buddy. I can count on him as we were childhood friends. He is always giving me advice not only about films but also on personal matters. It is great to have a friend like him.
Coming back to your second release, Summer 2007, what is the film all about?
It's a story about a bunch of five friends who have just passed out of medical college and what transpires in their life during the summer of 2007. The film shows how a fun-loving group of friends come face-to-face with the harsh reality of the rural life. Summer 2007 has shaped up very well and I hope the audience appreciates the film.
There were rumours of you being romantically involved with your co-star Gul Panag during the making of Summer 2007.
This isn't true. I have known Gul long before I started acting. She's just a friend and we have known each other for a long time. Being good friends helps to create a comfortable atmosphere on sets and it can be a lot of fun. I had great time acting along with Gul in Summer 2007.
Where do you see yourself in Bollywood in a couple of years from now?
To be honest I am just grateful to be in films today. Whatever God has in store for me, I will get it. All I can do is work hard and hope for the best.
Share this article
More from Film & Cinema
Covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle daily
Popular in Film & Cinema
Entertainment Editor's choice
-
Bollywood celebwatch
A look at Bollywood's best and brightest stars in action
-
tabloid!'s favourite disaster movies
Ahead of new blockbuster 2012, check out tabloid!'s pick of the best disaster films
-
Arts & Entertainment
Bollywood Celebwatch
What have Bollywood's brightest been up to?
