I don't have a chocolate face

Sikandar, the son of Anupam Kher and Kiron Kher, who is all set to make his debut as actor in films with Summer 2007 tells me at the outset of this interview when I meet him at his spacious apartment in Juhu that his biggest advantage is that he has grown up in the film fraternity.

"The vast knowledge of films that I have is thanks to this environment. My parents Kirron as well as Anupam have been actors. Unlike other new comers who have no background at all, I can go to my parents for their advise and acting tips, because they know all about acting. It is a great secure feeling for a new comer like me".

Sikandar is all set to face challenges as an actor. "I know that there will be a lot of expectations from me because of my parents but I am ready to face the challenges that may come my way.

I love waking up in the morning and going to the shoots. It is really fun seeing a character come alive. I enjoy the whole process and the pain behind acting. I just cannot express it in words".

Sikandar confesses that he is aware that he does not have a chocolate face and hence wants to do roles which have negative shades.

"Looking at my face, you can make out easily that I am not at all a chocolate actor. Yet I'd not shy at all from doing a romantic film. Though all films have elements of romance, I'd specially love to do a romantic film.

Yet, all said and done, I'd say that I do not approach a film as a romantic film or for that matter a thriller, because a film is a film".

As an actor, Sikandar says that he makes it a point to do his preparations on his own to get into the skin of his character.

"I write a fictional background story for myself with my own inputs. For example, if say the character I set out to portray is a guy from New Delhi, I know for a fact that he will have a different set of mannerisms compared to one who comes from the South.

Sikandar is even ready to do negative roles. "Dad played the role of a 68 year old when he was just 26 and managed to get an award too. He missed the national Award to Naseer.

The audience have accepted dad as a comedian, villain, old man etc. I am 26 now. I feel that the time of the villain is gone. I'd love to do roles which have negative shades."

Before becoming an actor, Sikandar prepared himself by assisting Yash Chopra in direction in Dil To Pagal Hai when he was just 15. He also assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Devdas.

What is interesting to note is the fact that though Anupam Kher teaches acting to half the film industry, he learnt acting from Kishore Namit Kapoor after a stint there for two months, though he did a small acting workshop some years ago when he was sixteen with Anuopam.

"It was the intense workshop which I did every day for about six months with dad that has prepared me to be an actor", he confesses.

Right now, besides Summer 2007 directed by Sohail Tatariwhich is all set for release shortly, he also has Woodstock Villa directed by Hansal Mehta While Woodstock Villa is a thriller, Summer 2007 is a heart wrenching story revolving around five students, who go through diverse experiences in their expedition of rural India.

Sikandar is also all set to act in Raaste starring him with Abhishek, Aishwarya and John Abraham. Directed by Vikram Singh, it will revolve around three guys who take part in car racing.

Sikandar feels that his mother Kirron has been at her best in Rang De Basanti as well as Khamosh Pani.

"She has started late in life. Though she is a good actress, she sacrificed to bring myself up and had turned down meaty offers. Dad has acted in over 300 films. He says that he is till learning though he is an accomplished actor.

I will always take up their advice because it is invaluable. My personal favorites among dad's films are Saaransh, Daddy, Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin, Khosla Ka Ghosla and Karma. - V. Ananth