KARACHI: With a hugely popular restaurant under his belt, Madam Noor Jehan’s grandson Sikander Rizvi is already working on a new venture. The chef will be seen in a forthcoming Pakistani film Dekh Magar Pyar Sey alongside Lollywood – and now Bollywood – actress Humaima Malik.
Occupied with the shoot of his new film Sikander, owner of Karachi’s famous Xander’s cafe, seems to be juggling quite a lot on his plate. A divergent leap from a restaurateur to an actor, it seems the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree; it was as if the role was meant for him. “It started from an ad,” Sikander said. “They contacted me five or six months ago to be a part of an ad, soon after they approached me to offer me a role. I said sure, I’ll try it.”
Alexandre, as many call him, will debut alongside Raja Natwarlal star Humaima Malik in the movie. “We haven’t started working as such, but so far she’s great to work with. She’s an actor and I’m just starting out, so she’s really helpful and supportive,” said the culinary expert who is excited about his new project.
Humaima rose to fame after her hit film Bol and is one of many artistes who have ventured into Bollywood. She will play Sikander’s love interest in the upcoming film.
Commenting on the script of the movie Sikander said, “It’s fantastic and the director is great.” The film’s director, Asad-ul-Haq, is just as ecstatic as his cast to be working on the new production. “I envisioned an avant-garde look and a strong, imaginative storyline for Dekh Magar Pyar Sey.”
HSY has been brought on-board as the creative director for the movie. So far the only information revealed about the film is that it will be shot in Lahore, everything else is being kept under lock-and-key for now.
Regarding his future endeavours Sikander said, “I don’t know what the future plan is. Let’s see what happens and how it goes.” For now the new actor is going to take it slow and go with-the-flow. He has a long way to go before he can form his own identity but Sikander isn’t intimidated by living under the shadow of his grandmother, the great Madam Noor Jehan, instead, his response is one of awe and admiration for the icon. “She’s a global legend,” he gushed, “Noor Jehan is on another level. I’m proud to be her grandson,” Sikander said.
