The dashing Sikander Rizvi, aka Xander, is set to make his film debut this week in “Dekh Magar Pyar Se”. Sikander is already a successful restaurateur – his namesake Xander’s is one of Karachi’s most popular and fashionable cafés. However, as the grandson of Madam Noor Jehan and brother to actress Sonya Jehan, it would seem that films are in his blood.
“I’ve always been drawn to acting but it’s not something I’ve pursued actively. Dekh Magar Pyar Se is a movie that I’m honoured to be part of. When Asad mentioned that he was doing a movie, I was ready to take on any small role. I was astounded to be offered the lead – and more than a little nervous.”
It’s certainly a tall order for a newbie, with so many renowned names associated with the movie. Director Asad Ul Haq has made a name for himself directing commercials, co-star Humaima Mallick has had hits on both sides of the border and the production team includes Bafta winner Nicholas D. Knowland of Jinnah fame as Director of Photography.
Sikander is disarmingly modest,
“It was a huge learning curve for me. I researched the role as best I could and even read a couple of books on acting, as lame as that sounds. More than anything I would say that I learned on the job. I felt a huge difference between the scenes I shot on Day 1 and those shot on the final day of filming.”
Since films are never shot in order, it will be interesting to see the effect that this has on continuity. Sikander is complimentary about his co-star Humaima.
“She’s very experienced and incredibly aware of lighting and camera angles, which is something that I had to work at.”
The self-deprecating actor is used to getting plenty of attention thanks to his looks, but he knows that it’s his acting skills that will be under scrutiny when Dekh Magar Pyar Se releases on 14th August. With plenty of eye candy, hauntingly beautiful locations and designer costumes, DMPS is sure to garner plenty of interest. Here’s hoping Sikander has got the talent to shine on the silver screen.
