Beyond the Glitz: Sikandar Kher Opens Up on Lifelong Friendships and Bombay Memories
In an industry often defined by fleeting associations and the cutthroat nature of box-office performance, actor Sikandar Kher stands as a testament to the power of enduring bonds. Navigating the complexities of showbiz, Kher has managed to nurture deep, long-standing friendships with some of Bollywood’s biggest stars, proving that professional rivalry is no barrier to personal loyalty.
Learning from the Legends
For Sikandar, the blueprint for these friendships was set at home. He draws immense inspiration from the legendary camaraderie shared by his father, Anupam Kher, alongside Anil Kapoor and the late Satish Kaushik.
“I look at people who’ve sustained long friendships like my father, Anil Kapoor and Satish Kaushik,” Sikandar shared in an interview with News18. He noted that their ability to maintain a rock-solid bond while carving out distinct paths in their careers taught him that competition is a matter of perspective. Because each actor was chosen for unique roles, they were never truly pitted against one another, allowing their personal affection to transcend their professional status.
Growing Up with Stars
Kher’s roots in the industry run deep, tied to family connections that predate his own career. His friendship with Abhishek Bachchan, for instance, is rooted in a history between their fathers, Gautam Berry and Amitabh Bachchan. The bond grew during their formative years and was further solidified during an acting workshop led by Anupam Kher, which included other star kids like Hrithik Roshan and Uday Chopra.
However, it is his childhood connection with Ranbir Kapoor that offers a poignant glimpse into a shared past. The two were classmates at Bombay Scottish School, a period marked by both the innocence of youth and the harsh realities of a changing city.
Recalling the tension of the Bombay riots, Sikandar shared a vivid memory of the actor: “[Ranbir Kapoor’s Contessa] had come to pick us up and eight-nine of us sat inside it and left. We saw stuff burning on the road. So, yes, we’ve known each other since we were very young.”
Affection for the Deols
Beyond his peers, Kher also expressed profound respect for the Deol family, specifically the legendary Dharmendra. While his interactions with the veteran actor were brief in his youth—usually limited to polite greetings—the warmth he observed left an indelible mark.
“He was such a kind man,” Kher remarked, noting how even Dharmendra’s social media presence reflects the genuine love he holds for others. Though the two did not share screen space in their recent project, Ikkis, due to differing character timelines, Kher remains deeply moved by Dharmendra’s performance, describing him as the “heart and soul” of the film.
A Grounded Approach
For Sikandar Kher, these relationships are more than just industry networking; they are grounded in shared history, family legacies, and a fundamental belief in human connection. In a world that constantly changes, Kher’s ability to anchor himself in these friendships serves as a refreshing reminder that at the core of the film industry, there exists a community built on genuine affection and long-standing trust.
