Joining us today is a man of many talents — actor, writer, singer, and all-around entertainer — Ali Sikander!
In Conversation With Ali Sikander On Body Shaming, Marriage, Shirin Farhad & More!
Many of you may recognize him as the lovable Golden Bhai from Shirin Farhad, but Ali Sikander’s journey in the industry has been full of interesting projects. He has written some fun and engaging dramas like College Gate, Honeymoon, and Fat Family — all of which were enjoyed by the audience.
He also appeared in the filmTich Button and Yaara Vey, and was part of the reality TV show Mehmaan Nawaz back in 2016. Later, he joined Tamasha Season 2, and while he didn’t win, he truly won over viewers with his honest and entertaining personality. After a short break from screen, he’s now back on our screens as Golden Bhai, and it’s safe to say he’s doing an amazing job!
Today, Ali Sikander is here with us to talk about Shirin Farhad and a lot more!
Was It Hard Being Part Of A Well-Known Family But Not Reaching The Same Level Of Success Early On? Did It Affect Ali Sikander?
Bother tou hamesha karta hai. Lekin, har insan ki apni qismat hoti hai.
Ali Sikander
Yes, and Ali Sikander didn’t shy away from admitting it. This was a moment where he got real — he shared that being surrounded by big names in the family naturally brought a sense of comparison, and that can be tough. It did affect him mentally. He said it’s not true when people claim nothing gets to them — it does.
Ali reflected on how everyone has their own journey. Some shine early, others take time. He felt he was given opportunities and recognition, but things didn’t always click when he wanted them to. Especially in his earlier years, he lacked the confidence and patience that only come with time and experience. It wasn’t easy, but he’s grown through it — and today, it’s clear he’s in a space where he’s owning his path, on his own terms.
Ali Sikander Gets Real About Body Shaming In The Industry
Body shaming has reduced a lot.
Ali Sikander
Ali Sikander didn’t hold back when talking about body shaming in the industry. He shared that while body shaming has definitely reduced over time, it hasn’t disappeared completely. Part of the change, he believes, comes from growing awareness — some people have genuinely become more accepting, while others are simply more careful because of the fear of public backlash, especially with how powerful social media has become.
However, when it comes to the casting process in the industry, he feels not much has changed. Looks still play a big role. According to him, there are many average performers landing multiple roles just because they fit a certain physical mold — even if they don’t do justice to the characters. He called out the hypocrisy in the system, pointing out that while people openly criticize body shaming, they still stick to narrow beauty standards when casting actors. Roles that are supposed to represent real families often don’t reflect actual diversity — for example, a darker-skinned or heavier actor may not even be considered for a role that portrays a typical family member. The minute someone looks “different,” they’re seen as too much of a risk for mainstream roles.
Ali emphasized that when creators start thinking beyond these limiting ideas, it opens the door for people like him — and when given the chance, they often surprise everyone with their performance.
How Marriage & Fatherhood Changed Ali Sikander’s Outlook On Life
When you are alone, you are responsible for everything you do in life. When someone is connected to your life, they are also the one who is questioned.
Ali Sikander
Ali Sikander spoke honestly about how getting married and becoming a father brought a big shift in his mindset. He shared that life takes on a whole new meaning when you’re no longer responsible just for yourself. Once someone becomes a part of your life — like a spouse or children — your actions and choices start to affect them too.
He said he now tries to live in a way that his children never have to feel hurt or ashamed because of anything he’s done. That sense of responsibility made him more thoughtful and mature in his decisions. While he still jokes around at home, especially with his kids, he knows when it’s time to be serious. Life, he says, demands that balance.
Reflecting on today’s relationships, Ali pointed out how things have changed. In the past, people would fall in love, go through the ups and downs of life together, and then reach a conclusion. But now, he feels the conclusion often comes first — people make quick judgments, and the actual journey never gets a chance to begin.
How Ali Sikander Landed The Role Of Golden In Shireen Farhad
Shireen Farhad was sent by fate.
Ali Sikander
Ali Sikander describes landing the role of Golden Bhai in Shireen Farhad as nothing short of destiny. He shared that at the time, he was in Nathia Gali when he received a call from director Asad Mumtaz. They spoke about the script, and while Ali initially hesitated — thinking he might not fit in with the rest of the cast or wondering what his contribution would be — Asad Mumtaz firmly told him not to turn the project down.
Once Ali read the script, he was immediately drawn to it. It felt like a rare opportunity to do something different and meaningful. He compared himself to a soldier with just a few bullets left — determined to make every shot count. Even though his character doesn’t appear in every episode, he decided that whenever he did appear, he would give it his absolute best.
He poured himself into the role, living the character, and putting in a lot of effort to make Golden memorable. Ali also expressed deep appreciation for the people behind the scenes — HUM TV, director Asad Mumtaz, and writer Ali Moeen — for crafting such a powerful character and for giving him the creative freedom and trust to make it his own. He also made sure to mention others on the team, noting that the success of the drama is the result of a true team effort.
Want to hear more? Stay tuned for full conversation coming out soon on FUCHSIA’s YouTube channel!
