Samir Kochchar talks about playing a cop in Sacred Games

From being an IPL host to portraying a cop in Sacred Games, Samir Kochhar lets us in on his journey so far
Samir Kochchar
Samir Kochchar

Samir Kochhar dons different roles in reallife. But the most recent on-screen role that has put him back in the spotlight is his portrayal as SPI Markand in the Netflix series Sacred Games. Samir, as the intelligence officer Markand, has impressed audiences with his acting. His perfect physique and measured dialogue delivery is noticeable.

The actor says it was a conscious effort, “We had to keep it real because the show demanded it.Though it is a hard core, gritty script and I play an officer from the investigation bureau, I had to keep it subtle. It was Vikram’s (director, Vikramaditya Motwane) idea to not be over-the-top like other cop roles that have been portrayed on screen so far.” Samir remembers a scene that required all the actors to be present. It was then that the actor realised what it is to work with an actor like Nawazuddin Siddiqui. “During the filming that went on for an entire day, Nawaz had to play dead. Just to see him do that with perfection was just amazing,” says the actor. At the same time, Sameer also talks about Saif and says, “He is extremely comfortable in his own space and is totally chilled out. The moment the camera comes on, he slips into his role easily.”

Switching sides
What sets Samir apart is how easily he switches from being an IPL host, to an actor, to a stage presenter. For someone who comes from a family of doctors, Sameer has been the odd one out. “My dad is a CA and my mother has done a PhD.But I just happened to get into this field by chance. I used to be part of Roshan Abbas’s theatre group in Delhi. I got a call to play a role in Valentine Days and that’s when I moved to Mumbai, about 17 years ago. One thing led to another and things have worked in  my favour,” he says.

Even as he is basking in the spotlight for Sacred Games, Samir is looking forward to his next film Hume Tumse Pyaar Kitna. “It is a love story and a mystery that’s shot in the mountains of Manali. Dubbing is going on right now and it should be ready by the end of this year,” says the actor. When not shooting, Samir is a complete family man. He loves to spend time at home with his two kids and wife.

QUICK TAKES WITH SAMIR
If not an actor, Samir would be: A footballer playing for India

Three musts in a day: Coffee, gym and time with my children

Best moment of live television: When Sachin retired and I chatted with him live on TV

Three cheat meals he always craves for: Butter chicken, daal makhaani and lachchedaar paratha

One thing he will tell his younger self: Never doubt your instincts

ayeshatabassum@newindianexpress.com
@aishatax

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