Blast from the past for Sidharth Malhotra

It was a “surreal” moment for Sidharth Malhotra when DoP Ravi K Chandran, who the actor worked with as an AD on the sets of My Name Is Khan, shot the actor for his new film

Over six years back – far away from the spotlight – Sidharth Malhotra was an assistant director on Karan Johar’s 2010 hit, My Name Is Khan. The movie was shot by ace cinematographer, Ravi K Chandran. Now, as fate would have it, the actor has been shot by the same DoP (director of photography) in his upcoming film, which also stars Katrina Kaif.

READ: ‘It takes time to build from zero,’ says Sidharth Malhotra

“Yes, I was an assistant on My Name Is Khan, and he (Chandran) shot that film. Now, after six years, I have now done a full-fledged solo hero film with him. [This time], while I am in front of the camera, he is behind it. It was an unbelievable moment on the first day of the shoot, when Mr Chandran said, ‘Sir, thoda left.’ I turned around, and said, ‘Sir? Itni izzat? (sir, so much respect?)’” says Sidharth.

The actor adds, “It was a surreal moment for me to be on the sets with such a senior technician, especially when you have seen him shoot SRK and Kajol firsthand, besides other great films. When he addressed me as “sir”, I started thinking, ‘Where did I begin from, and where have I reached?’ It was heart-touching. It was a great feeling. I have shared a great relationship with him,” says Sidharth, who is riding high on the success of Kapoor & Sons.

These days, the actor also likes to enjoy himself on the sets of his films. “You have a responsibility to make your work fun. I have learnt that with experience. So now, whenever I feel that I am a little comfortable in front of the camera, or with my career, I use that [moment] to feel great,” he says.