The recently released courtroom drama Prahaar has been appreciated not just for addressing an important subject pertaining to the 26/11 terror attacks but also for its memorable moments and powerful performances. Rajkummar Rao shines in the lead role of Ujjwal Nikam, while Lalit Prabhakar leaves a lasting impression as Ajmal Kasab. Another actor who makes his presence felt is Sikandar Kher. He essays the role of Abbas Kazmi, the lawyer who defended Kasab in the high-profile trial. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the dashing and talented Sikandar Kher spoke about his role, how he prepared for it and a lot more.
From the trailers, we expected Kazmi to be depicted as a villain. However, the makers have humanized him. How did that come about, and how did you prepare for the role?
It was important. In fact, I asked director Avinash Arun if I could meet the real Abbas Kazmi ji because I wanted to understand this lawyer who took up the responsibility of defending Kasab. It's almost unbelievable in this country. From what I learned, the Bar Council of India had agreed that no one would defend him. Yet, he went against their directive to take up the case.
I wanted to have a conversation with him to understand the human being that he is. I didn't ask him why he took up the case. I just wanted to gauge what kind of person he was. He was kind enough to meet me, and we had a great conversation. It will always remain personal, and I wouldn't want to reveal all its details. Not that there was anything controversial. It's just that these were personal moments I shared with him to understand him better.
I had read the script, and I knew that he had gone through some tough moments. For instance, we see in the film that when he's out celebrating Eid with his family, a person approaches him and admonishes him. His own community had ostracized him. There were chants of 'Hang Kazmi' along with 'Hang Kasab' as well. That man did go through this internal conflict in real life. But it was predominantly about upholding the Constitution of India, which was the whole reason behind giving Kasab a trial and showing the world that our country is a democracy, where everybody gets a fair trial before being sentenced.
At the end of the day, he's a human being and an Indian. This is his country. At the same time, he's a lawyer. He took up something that nobody else would have had the courage to take up. So, you get to see his human side as well. I was very happy when I saw the film because the makers had retained the silences and the moments where one could see his internal conflict.
Speaking of silences and internal conflict, there's a scene where Kazmi asks the girl, Komal Ahirwar, to show the wound at the back of her head to the court. Could you explain why he does that, especially when he was defending Kasab?
When you see the scene, you realize that he's feeling for her as she's giving her statement in the witness box. When you have such a young girl, you believe her story. You know in your heart what the truth is, but you're still doing your duty. In such situations, the lines may get blurred.
So, at that point, he's probably attempting to cross-examine the witness. But then, he's also human. He's looking at a child who's probably going to suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) for the rest of her life. It was something he had to ask, and so he just asked it. He probably didn't have anything else to ask that girl.
The performances by Rajkummar Rao and Lalit Prabhakar are excellent. Lalit's expressions, silences, the tilt of his head, etc., add to the impact. How was your experience working with them?
It was great. Avinash deserves a lot of credit for it. He's such a wonderful man, and hence, the energy on set was great. Raj and I had collaborated before, and he's always been a team player. This time was no different.
When I saw Lalit on the set and he walked into the witness box, I just knew that this guy was going to nail it completely. And he totally did!
I think Raj, Lalit and every other actor in the film have done so well. The performances have rightfully been praised. It's always great to work with people who are willing to listen to each other, collaborate, jam and really bring a scene together. That's so important for us as actors and also for the audience at large.
What's next?
Chaar Yaar dropped on Amazon Prime Video on October 23. It's a very mazedaar show. I have also just finished shooting Season 2 of Dahaad. I'm really looking forward to it. Working with Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, Ruchika Oberoi and the entire cast was a treat.
It's your birthday on October 31. What are your plans?
(Smiles) I'll most probably be working, which is the best kind of birthday for me! So, yes, I'll probably be at work.
Also Read: Here’s why Aamir Khan has been mentioned under ‘Special Thanks’ in Prahaar
More Pages: Prahaar - The Ujjwal Nikam Story Box Office Collection , Prahaar - The Ujjwal Nikam Story Movie Review
BOLLYWOOD NEWS - LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2026 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.