Rizwann Sikander's Transformation into Gullu Pandey
Rizwann Sikander embodies his roles with passion, bringing characters to life through authentic performances. His latest role as Gullu Pandey in the film Sarkari Baccha showcases a character that is both charming and chaotic. "When I first heard the name, I thought it was hilarious. We made a few adjustments to enhance it, and suddenly, Gullu felt like a real person from Mahoba," Rizwann shares with a laugh.
Gullu is not your average protagonist; he takes pride in his government job, possesses a hint of greed, and is hopelessly romantic. "He’s smart, emotional, and flawed, yet he never gives up on the woman he loves," Rizwann explains. "It was this sincerity in his pursuit that drew me to the character."
With minimal preparation—just a call, a script, and a camera—Rizwann fully immersed himself in Gullu's universe. "After the first day of filming, I had a two-day break, which I used to absorb the dialect, body language, and the town's rhythm. I aimed for authenticity, wanting him to feel like someone you might actually know."
This genuine portrayal resonated with audiences. "After screenings, people approached me saying, ‘You truly shine in this role.’ That connection is the real victory," he reflects.
The film's uniqueness extends beyond Gullu. "I had the privilege of working with the late Jr. Mehmood sir. We would have long conversations at the hotel, and he once told me, ‘You remind me of Mehmood Sahib, the Khan Sahib of the industry.’ That moment stays with me," Rizwann recalls fondly.
As he evolves on screen, Rizwann is also growing behind the scenes. Balancing his roles as both actor and producer, he navigates the complexities of the industry. "As an actor, your job ends when the camera stops. But as a producer, you're still in the game—solving problems and managing expectations. It’s like stepping into a dark cave; you never know what challenges await you."
His spiritual side helps him remain grounded amid the industry's chaos. "When I feel down, I reflect inwardly. I watch interviews and listen to other actors share their journeys. It reminds me that we’re all navigating the same storm, just on different ships." This duality of being both a performer and a planner runs deep within him. Growing up in Makrana, Rajasthan, his strong roots have always inspired him to look outward. "My father owned a video library, and I grew up watching world cinema, which planted the seed for my aspirations."
From modeling to participating in Fear Factor India, where he famously raised the national flag atop the Kuala Lumpur Tower, Rizwann's journey has been anything but conventional. "Fear Factor gave me visibility and made me fearless—not just in stunts but in life," he states.
However, transitioning from reality TV to acting came with its own hurdles. "People viewed me merely as a reality star. My first significant role had very few lines, but that experience taught me that sometimes, less is more. That performance changed the industry's perception of me; even Ekta Kapoor ma’am took notice," he expresses with gratitude.
His television experiences—from Kasauti Zindagi Kay to Kayamath—instilled discipline in him, but he is drawn to characters with depth. "I’m attracted to vulnerability, love, loss, and longing. Emotional truth is what I seek in my roles."
Rizwann is not afraid to dream big. "I would love to take on roles like those in Edward Scissorhands or Pirates of the Caribbean. Something intense like My Left Foot or even a Bond-style film has always intrigued me," he shares.
Outside of acting, Rizwann maintains his fitness through sports and parkour. "I integrate my athleticism into my shoots—jumping from rooftops and climbing water tanks. It adds excitement and authenticity to the visuals."
Despite the fame and challenges, it’s his inner drive that propels him forward. "It can be tough at times, but I believe in two things—the hunger within and the light that guides me. That light helps me navigate through the darkness."
With two upcoming films—one in the horror genre and another in comedy—along with a series in development, Rizwann's career momentum is steadily increasing. However, he remains patient. "I take it one step at a time and trust the process."
If he could share advice with his younger self or any aspiring actor, it would be: "Confront your fears. Accept your flaws. If you need to shiver through a scene, do it, but never give up. Once you reconcile with your challenges, they become your strength. That’s how you grow."
