Rizwann Sikander Exclusive! Fear Factor To Sarkari Baccha, Actor Shares 'Filmmaking Is Taxing' Know WHY

Rizwann Sikander Exclusive: Sarkari Baccha was released on February 28, 2025. The title says it all - the film talks about the societal importance of working in a government job as opposed to working in the private sector. Daanish Siddiqui and Suryakant Tyagi direct the movie with an ensemble cast of Ruslaan Mumtaz, Aanya Tiwari, Daanish Siddiqui, Brijendra Kala, Gurpreet Kaur Chadha, and Rizwann Sikander playing the central roles. Filmibeat got an opportunity to talk to Rizwann Sikander and learn about his experience both in the film and in real life. Read on to know more:

Rizwann Sikander Exclusive!

From Fear Factor to Films - You made history on Fear Factor India and had a strong presence in television before transitioning to films. How has this journey shaped you as an actor and a person?

Rizwann: The biggest lesson I've learned in the industry is that I prefer being on screen rather than behind it. Filmmaking is incredibly taxing, and having a dedicated team for that makes things much easier. As an actor, it allows me to focus entirely on delivering the soul of a character. Without that essence, there's no real movie.
I still remember how I chose this path. We can eat anywhere, but why does food cooked by our mothers taste the best? It's the time, effort, and love they put into every step-the right proportions, the aroma, the care. It's more than just filling our stomachs; it nourishes our souls.
Similarly, when we immerse ourselves in the depth of emotions, the character's journey, and the smallest nuances, that's when a performance truly resonates. Even in comedy, capturing those details makes a scene impactful.
This understanding has been my greatest learning, and it's the approach I always strive to bring into my work.

⁠Your Role in Sarkari Baccha, Can you tell us more about your character and what makes him stand out in the film?

Rizwann: What I loved most about this character is his unwavering honesty and determination to win the love of his life. Since it's a comedy film, there's a lighthearted approach, but the character stands out because he gives his best in every situation. He remains smart and aware of the games being played around him while staying true to his emotions.
From what I've heard in reviews and feedback from the premiere and journalists, the character has left an impression. His on-screen presence, dialogue delivery, and overall persona have been appreciated. Even in scenes with Bijendra Sir, a highly respected actor in the industry, the character holds his own and naturally stands out within the film's overall aura.
I didn't consciously try to draw attention to myself or overprepare. By the grace of God, everything flowed naturally-the accent, the emotions, the character itself grew within me. Once you watch the film, you'll understand exactly what I mean.

Movie plot - Sarkari Baccha revolved all around "sarkari job", do you really believe government job is still as important as it was before? If not acting, could you ever see yourself in a government job, or was the entertainment industry always your true calling?

Rizwann: The film revolves around the importance of having a sarkari job, which has become increasingly difficult to secure. If you look at the waiting lists and the number of applicants, even those willing to pay under the table struggle to get one. The demand is incredibly high.
However, financial experts and successful entrepreneurs have shown that there are many other ways to make money today. While prestigious government jobs can lead to significant wealth, independent entrepreneurs and business tycoons also carve their own paths to success. It's a balance-two sides of the same coin.
For me, my true purpose has always been in entertainment. I don't think I could do justice to any other profession. Though, to be honest, I've done various jobs in the past. While living in London, I worked in restaurants, as a shopkeeper, and even at renowned fashion brands like H&M, Zara, and Massimo Dutti-starting from the stockroom and working up to showroom management and design. But none of it gave me peace.
In 2009-2011, I moved to London hoping to break into international films, especially as child artists were getting opportunities in India at the time. However, surviving there was tough due to the recession and harsh winters. The Indian film community was small, mostly focused on music rather than cinema. I hoped to connect with directors like Gurinder Chadha and Mira Nair, but many had moved to the US.
The last hope that kept me going was the possibility of landing a role in EastEnders, the UK's longest-running show-essentially the British equivalent of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi in India. Even today, it continues to run.

Working with the Cast - How was your experience working with your co-stars on set? Any memorable moments or friendships you formed during the shoot?

Rizwann: My co-stars were incredibly supportive, and we all gelled quickly. I believe that if your own energy is strong, no one can dim it or distance themselves from you. I've always carried that vibe, whether on or off set, and that helped us bond effortlessly.
Despite being a last-minute casting, I never felt like a newcomer. There wasn't much time for anyone to judge me because I was cast in just an hour. Within ten minutes of hearing the story, I packed my bags and left for the set. Since I fulfilled an urgent requirement, everyone was happy to have me on board. As they saw my performances-many in one take-their confidence in me grew, and our camaraderie strengthened.
One of my most memorable moments was my bond with Hemang Chaudhary, who played my father in the film. The energy we shared on-screen extended beyond the set, and that connection remains strong. Another great memory was working with Ahsaan Khan sir. Though I had only one scene with him, it was special because we had known each other before. Seeing him on set and sharing screen space was a personal milestone for me.
My first scene was with Ahsaan Khan sir and Bijendra Kalra sir at a tea stall. It's a pivotal moment in Sarkari Baccha, so I won't reveal the twist. Facing such esteemed actors in a one-take shot was nerve-wracking yet thrilling. The scene had to be repeated once due to a technical issue, but overall, it went smoothly. Their feedback was incredibly encouraging-Bijendra sir complimented my spontaneity, while Ahsaan Khan sir was proud to see me evolve from a kid he once knew to an actor sharing the screen with him.
Another unforgettable experience was my wrestling scene with Ruslaan. We had to maintain intensity while secretly holding back laughter, making sure we didn't embarrass ourselves. Though the film is comedic, we had to ensure the scene remained impactful.
All these experiences deepened my bond with the cast, making this journey truly special.

Challenges in the Film - Was there any particular scene or aspect of your role that was especially challenging for you?

Rizwann: There's a scene where I share screen space with the Late Jr. Mehmood Sir, where I'm searching for Panditji. He plays Panditji in the film and ends up messing things up, which leaves my character angry and seeking revenge. I want to understand what went wrong and why he did it, so I confront and beat him.
As an actor and a person, I was initially uncomfortable with the idea of hitting a Panditji, as it felt disrespectful. Even though it was a comedic scene, I was concerned about potential backlash. I discussed my concerns with the director, expressing that I didn't want any controversy, especially with this being my first film. However, the director reassured me, and I also spoke to Junior Mamoo Sahib, who put me at ease. He was incredibly supportive, telling me not to worry.
He was a true gentleman-enthusiastic, spontaneous, and full of energy, like a child completely immersed in the performance. We planned the scene together, where I would hit him, and he would fall. He gave every take his all, bringing more energy with each shot, which elevated the scene to another level.
It was a challenging moment for me as an actor and a creator-deciding whether to do the scene at all. However, ultimately, the commitment and passion from everyone involved made it work seamlessly.

When talked about future projects, Rizwann revealed that there are 2 more films in the pipeline for him, one comedy and one horror.