DNA Exclusive: Actor Sikandar Kher opens up on nepotism, his role in crime-drama Mum Bhai

Come festive season and the fun of binge-watching new films and series is next level. Adding to the long list of shows that have launched this festive week is ALTBalaji and ZEE5 Club's crime-drama Mum Bhai, that dives into the Mumbai underworld. 

The narrative revolves around the friendship between a cop and a criminal, set in the milieu of Mumbai’s underbelly from the late eighties to early 2000.
 
While on one hand, handsome Angad Bedi plays the role of an encounter specialist, on the other, the suave Sikandar Kher, is seen portraying the role of an underworld don in this highly anticipated show, that is now streaming. 

So, in order to get more details about Sikander's role of a ruthless gangster, we spoke to the star about the show and much more in this exclusive tête-à-tête. 

Here' are some excerpts from the interview: 

- Tell us about the show and Rama Shetty, the gangster that you are playing int he series. 

"When I read the script, it kept me gripped and that's something is a sign that I want to be part of something like that because, at the end of the day, the content and the show is the King. Rama (Shetty) is a great character. He is fun, jovial, loving but at the same time, he is also a ruthless person. He needs to make his place somehow and at any cost for which he crosses some lines. All I can say is, Rama, is larger-than-life."

- Did you take any inspiration from iconic characters like Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan's who essayed the role of a don in films by the same name or maybe Ajay Devgn, who played Sultan Mirza in Once Upon a Time in Mumbai? Also, any special preparations that you did to get into the skin of the character?

"When I'm playing a character I try not to take a reference point. Rama will be different because I've not tried to be anyone else. I tried to build the character from scratch, worked on the dialect, made a little back story about Rama to understand how he would react to a particular person. I am excited about the feedback to the show and how I have portrayed the character, and that's something I'm looking forward to."

- Tell us about your equation with actor Angad Bedi and how has the filming experience with him been like?

"Angad and I go way back. Whenever you have a friend around or someone who you know, it just makes the film making the experience a lot better. We shot for long hours and in various odd situations, but when you have someone who you can sit and chill with and at the same time that person as an actor is also very giving in terms of suggestions, feedback, that is something fabulous and it makes the working process amazing. I'll just say shooting this show with Angad, it made the ride truly memorable."

- Digressing a little from Mum Bhai, we would like to ask you about your take on the 'nepotism' debate since you've often mentioned in your interviews that your dad Anupam Kher's approach towards your work has been -- go, get up and auditon. What do you have to say about this discussion around 'star kids'?

"I auditioned for Mum Bhai, Aarya and all the other roles that I have played. As actors, it's our job to try and get work. As far as nepotism is concerned, it exists in every field, not just in this industry. Nobody will give me work just because I'm someone's son. No one will put crores of rupees in me just because my father is an actor, also it's the individuals choice if they want to work with someone. I believe that if you add value to their work, bring life to their character only then will someone want to work with you. The only place nepotism has worked in my favour is when I go lookout for work, I know people because I've grown up in this industry and I know people. That is my equation with them. Having said that, it doesn't mean that they'll give me work. I could maybe get a meeting and then I followed it up. But that's doesn't mean it has converted into work. I am just going out there and letting people know that I am here, looking for good work, so if you have something, they should think about me."