Sahil Khattar thinks the time of bald people is here

Shreya Mukherjee

Actor Sahil Khattar was trying to find his way in the film industry, but things didn’t work out, until recently. On hearing that director Kabir Khan was auditioning for his next film, based on India’s historic victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup, the 32-year-old met the filmmaker and bagged his debut film in Bollywood. And, what came in handy is his knowledge of a roller hockey player that he was before becoming a YouTuber, host and actor.

“I loved the script and the kind of talents — a Punjabi singer, a south star, a Marathi actor, a real-life sportsperson — all of them, who’ve been roped in to play the role of different players of the ’83 squad,” says the actor, who plays the character of former cricketer Syed Kirmani. He has met the wicket-keeper quite a few times to understand his personality. He points out that look wise it was easy for him to portray Kirmani as both of them sport a bald look in real life. “No wig or makeup was required to make me look the part. Finally some use of my bald look,” he laughs, adding, “I was 21-22 when I decided to go bald to experiment. Later, while doing a comedy TV show, I shaved my head because of the character demanded. The reaction I received was so good that I decided to sport this low maintenance look. Now when I see films like Ujda Chaman and Bala, I think the time of bald people is here. People are accepting this slowly and as advantage, apna career pick up ho gaya.”

Happy to have worked with the likes of Khan and Ranveer

Singh, Sahil says, “Ranveer is a secure actor who gives you space and lets you shine. Shooting with so many boys with Kabir Khan as the ring master was fun.”

Sahil is hopeful that once the sports drama releases he will get more offers. “I’ve already been getting scripts but I guess better ones are yet to come. Once the film releases next year, I think things would change for me. Till then, I’d like to be patient,” he adds.