A Green Patch

“I am into sports,but golf was something I started playing three-and-a-half years ago. Kapil Dev was the one to initiate me into the game,” said the 31-year-old,recalling his rounds with the cricketer who has a scratch handicap in the game and is “pretty amazing at it.” Three years down the line,Sikander has himself reached a respectable handicap of eight. He tees off at seven every morning,except when he is shooting outdoors. The game,he feels,has helped him in many ways. “Golf is a game that you have to play in your head. You mess with it and it’s gone,” said Sikander. Perhaps that’s the reason why,in spite of box office disappointments such as Woodstock Villa, Players,Summer 2007 and Khele Hum Jee Jaan Se,Sikander has stayed on course and has not called it quits in the film industry. “You can either hang on and play hard or you can leave. I’m the one who stays optimistic about things.” But the NSD passout agrees that life and a career in acting will be a constant struggle. “I am enjoying whatever work I’m getting and stardom is a perk that comes only with success. It’s like any other job,the growth trajectories are similar,” remarked Sikander.

Had he not been an actor,Sikander admits he would’ve made a career in sports . “But then,I always wanted to be an actor,ever since I was four,” said Sikander who dreams of “minting crores,signing endorsements” and have the crowds chase after him,shouting his name. “I want to be the rupees ten crore actor,” said Sikander,who would like to work with his parents,Kirron and Anupam,some day. “Though they feel I am not ready yet,” said the actor,who is now prepping for a new film that hits the floor in May. Though he’s cagey about giving out details. “It’s quite thrilling,a romantic comedy and something I always wanted to do,” wrapped up the actor before heading off to the golf greens.