Sikandar Kher on Dev Patel’s Monkey Man: ‘I first auditioned for the part 10 years ago’

Actor Sikandar Kher.

He made his acting debut with the movie Woodstock Villa in 2008, but it wasn’t till the web-series Aarya (Disney+ Hotstar) in 2020 that Sikandar Kher really felt he had found recognition as an actor in the Hindi entertainment industry. In the crime drama, which is adapted from the Dutch show Penoza, Kher plays the loyal Daulat who stands by Aarya (Sushmita Sen) in her drug business and crime-driven life. The out-of-favour Daulat ends up playing a crucial role in the recently released Part 2 of the third and final season, Aarya Season 3 — Antim Vaar.

Sikandar Kher in a still from Monica, O My Darling.

Kher’s other recent work includes Vasan Bala’s neo-noir comedy Monica, O My Darling and vampire comedy series Tooth Pari, in which he played a down-on-his luck cop. Actor Kirron Kher’s 42-year-old son is now gearing up for his first international English-language movie Monkey Man. The highly stylised action film features, and is also directed by, Dev Patel (of Slumdog Millionaire and Lion fame). In this interview, Kher speaks about how Aarya was a game-changer for him and his future work. Edited excerpts:

How does it feel to be at a juncture where a show’s season ends in a way where it could be the finale and you have to step away from a character you've lived with for so many years?

For me, when it comes to work, once it's done, it's done. I don't put much thought into that. The one thing you think of as an actor, that you hope, is that what you do releases. But if it has to end, it has to end. All good things come to a finale. But we don't know if this is the end of Aarya. We shall have to wait and see. But generally, I'm used to keeping my head down and looking for my next. I never really have excitement when something I am in is coming out either, because excitement is beautiful but the excitement of a release comes with nerves, and if it's not a blockbuster then the anticipation gives way to greater disappointment.

How important is Daulat in your filmography?

He's very important. It’s the first really successful thing I did. When it first came out, everyone was talking about the show. My part required me to say very little yet I got such a good response. When something does well, then everybody benefits from it. I think before Aarya, people knew that Sikandar might have been acting. But a lot of my films didn't have numbers. But now people saw my work. I got some calls and Daulat helped me get one step ahead. Daulat will always be with me. He was the first character that I was recognised for. People would stop me on the street and take a picture with me. That’s when you realise that your character might be connecting with audiences. Working on Aarya with Ram and Amita Madhvani (creators, producers) has been one of the best working experiences I have had. The only person who I go to for feedback is my mom (Kirron Kher). She is honest and will call a spade a spade. My father (Anupam Kher) is still inherently encouraging. She really liked Aarya and my work in it.

Sikandar Kher with Sushmita Sen in a still from Aarya.

Your next big release is Monkey Man (on April 5, in theatres). What do you think made Dev Patel and the producers think of you for the part of the cop, Rana?

Interestingly, I first auditioned for this part 10 years ago. At that time, I knew it was a film with Dev Patel and that I was testing for a cop’s role. So I wore a uniform costume and went in. Dev took my audition at that time. This was in Mumbai. The film was due to start but it just didn't take off, for one reason or another. Then they were scheduled to start shooting in January 2020, but the pandemic hit. During that time, Dev said he hadn’t found Rana yet and when he revisited all the tests he saw mine and really liked it. So, he offered the part to me again. I really liked the script and I really like Dev — he’s charming and funny. So, I was excited to do it. Dev is also very particular. Not only was he directing, but he’s acting in it as well. He is one of the most amazing directors I have worked with because of the way he communicates with an actor and his openness to sharing ideas. I had a great time being directed by him.

Dev Patel and Sikandar Kher in a still from Monkey Man.

There's a lot of action in this. What was the prep like?

Monkey Man is a pure revenge film. So yes, it is action-heavy. We were shooting in a studio on an island in Indonesia in a place called Batam during peak COVID. I had to finish a 15-day quarantine in my room. Dev had a certain idea of how he wants Rana to look and he told me there is going to be a lot of action. I was there for four months, from October till February, training with fight choreographer Brahim Chab. I knew that I needed to train, to throw a punch and make it look good. I was training twice a day. Besides the action and the way they approach training, the entire experience was different. I got to meet all kinds of people and learn. I had the experience of being directed in pure English, with that kind of sensibility. Also he didn’t give much direction. Vasan barely gives direction either. Somehow you don't feel like you're being directed by them, so that was lovely.

Are you going to pursue more international work?

I'm pursuing work in any language. Work is work. If I like something and it's a good role, I want to do it. You are lucky if you get a script which is a great read and you like the character. Of course, I hope Monkey Man does well because then so many things can open up. For now I am happy with my slate. I just finished a film which Saqib Saleem and Huma Qureishi are producing. Huma is also acting in it. I will start shooting a comedy film soon. Another film is in the pipeline, which is a bit bigger. The series Chidiya Udd is ready but awaiting an OTT release. Citadel: India is done too. That was fun. I have also finished another film called Dukkan, which is based on surrogacy. But now I'm not saying yes to everything. I'm holding on for a little bit and hoping to read things that I like and resonate with me.