Sikandar Kher praises Rajkummar Rao in Prahaar: 'Career-defining performance'
Synopsis
Sikandar Kher's effusive social media tribute to Rajkummar Rao for 'Prahaar' is more than a co-star shoutout — it signals that the courtroom drama, built around the Ajmal Kasab trial, may have delivered one of Rajkummar's most layered performances yet, with Sikandar himself in the demanding role of the defence lawyer Abbas Kazmi.
Key Takeaways
Sikandar Kher played Abbas Kazmi , defence lawyer for Ajmal Kasab , in the courtroom drama 'Prahaar' .
He called Rajkummar Rao's performance in the film 'not just a stellar performance, it's a career defining one.' Sikandar expressed deep gratitude to director Avinash Arun Dhaware for his belief in him 'not only as an actor but a person.' Producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films was credited for giving Sikandar the opportunity through his faith in the actor.
Co-star Lalit Prabhakar was also praised, with Sikandar saying he was 'completely floored' by his performance.
Actor Sikandar Kher has heaped praise on co-star Rajkummar Rao for his work in the courtroom drama 'Prahaar', calling the performance 'career-defining' in a heartfelt social media post that has drawn wide attention from the film fraternity.
Sikandar on Playing Abbas Kazmi
In 'Prahaar', Sikandar portrays Abbas Kazmi, the real-life defence lawyer who represented Ajmal Kasab — the lone surviving perpetrator of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The actor acknowledged the complexity of the role, describing it as 'a challenge to say the least.' Kazmi's character, he noted, was 'a man who took up a case going up against all of society and humanity for his land, his constitution.'
What Sikandar Said About Rajkummar Rao
In his post, Sikandar wrote that working alongside Rajkummar transformed an already demanding assignment into something far more rewarding. 'When you have a team and a co-actor like @rajkummar_rao the job becomes enjoyable and then the magic happens,' he wrote. 'I'll be your screen partner anytime brother. What you have done in this film is not just a stellar performance, it's a career defining one and I had front row seats to it.'
Gratitude for Director and Producer
Sikandar also reserved warm words for director Avinash Arun Dhaware, crediting him with being 'a pillar of strength — professionally and personally.' He wrote: 'Your belief in me not only as an actor but a person is something I will cherish and hold close to my heart till the end of time.' Producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films was also acknowledged, with Sikandar thanking him for the faith that made the role possible. 'You continue to make great cinema and your passion to the arts is absolutely wonderful to see and be a part of,' he added.
A Shoutout to Co-Star Lalit Prabhakar
The actor also singled out co-star Lalit Prabhakar for special mention, writing that from the moment he saw Prabhakar step into the witness box on their first day of shoot, 'I knew something special was happening.' Sikandar said he was 'completely floored' by Prabhakar's performance when he watched the finished film.
About Prahaar
'Prahaar' is a courtroom drama centred on the legal proceedings following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, with Rajkummar Rao in the lead role. The film is backed by Maddock Films and directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, known for his nuanced storytelling. The project marks a significant dramatic outing for both Sikandar and Rajkummar, and early reactions suggest it could be among the more consequential Hindi films of the year.
Point of View
The lawyer who defended Ajmal Kasab, is the kind of role that could easily overshadow an actor, yet Sikandar frames it as creatively liberating. That Rajkummar Rao's performance is being called career-defining by a co-star who had 'front row seats' carries weight that a publicist's press note simply cannot replicate. Maddock Films has built a reputation for backing unconventional subjects, and 'Prahaar' appears to be another calculated risk on difficult, historically resonant material.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Sikandar Kher play in 'Prahaar'?
Sikandar Kher plays Abbas Kazmi, the real-life defence lawyer who represented Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving perpetrator of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, in the courtroom drama 'Prahaar.'
What did Sikandar Kher say about Rajkummar Rao's performance in 'Prahaar'?
Sikandar called it 'not just a stellar performance, it's a career defining one,' adding that he had 'front row seats' to it. He also said he would be Rajkummar's screen partner 'anytime.'
Who directed 'Prahaar' and who produced it?
'Prahaar' is directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner. Sikandar Kher praised both for their creative support and personal belief in him.
Who else did Sikandar Kher praise from the 'Prahaar' cast?
Sikandar praised co-star Lalit Prabhakar, saying he was 'completely floored' by his performance and that he knew 'something special was happening' from the very first day of the shoot.
What is 'Prahaar' about?
'Prahaar' is a courtroom drama centred on the legal proceedings following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, with Rajkummar Rao in the lead role and Sikandar Kher as defence lawyer Abbas Kazmi.
