From hosting the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a decade to delivering impactful performances, Samir Kochhar’s path has been marked by grit, adaptability and an unrelenting passion for his craft. Now back with his latest venture, Moonwalk, the charismatic entertainer reflects on his challenges, triumphs and the exciting chapters ahead
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
With an effortless charm and a career defined by versatility, Samir Kochhar has established himself as a prominent figure in Indian entertainment. A dynamic actor, acclaimed host and familiar face across film, television and digital platforms, Samir’s journey is a testament to his relentless passion and adaptability. From captivating millions as the host of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for over a decade to delivering memorable performances in films and groundbreaking web series, he has continually evolved, earning admiration for his talent and dedication. As he ventures into exciting new projects, Samir remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
In a candid conversation, Samir Kochhar reflects on his remarkable journey in the entertainment industry, his upcoming projects and the challenges that continue to inspire him. From his early days in Delhi to becoming a versatile actor and presenter, he shares insights into his craft and his excitement for his latest venture, Moonwalk.
Reflecting on his two-decade-long journey, the Jannat fame describes it as one filled with perseverance and self-discovery. “I come from a family of academics and doctors. My mother, a Ph.D. holder, pursued Chartered Accountancy, and our world was far removed from the media industry. But I was always encouraged by my family and school to participate in extracurricular activities—be it theatre or sports. That foundation sparked my interest in the media world.”
The Bade Achhe Lagte Hain actor reminisces about his days performing plays in Delhi and hosting live events before taking the leap to Mumbai—a city he had never visited before. “Mumbai was an uncharted territory for me. It was tough initially, but the city gave back as much as it demanded,” he says.
From hosting the Indian Premier League (IPL) for 10 years to starring in films like Jannat, Zeher and now making a mark in the OTT space with shows like Sacred Games or his latest project Moonwalk to name a few, Kochhar has embraced every opportunity with gratitude. “I consider myself fortunate to have been part of both acting and hosting. It’s been an enriching journey, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.” Talking about his latest project, Moonwalk, he shares how the script instantly drew him in. “Ajay Bhuyan, the director, approached me with the idea of making something edgy and out-of-the-box,” he recalls. “When I read the 10 episodes in just one day, I was smiling and laughing throughout. The story’s bizarre, eccentric tone reminded me of Guy Ritchie’s films and the Coen Brothers’ humour. It was an irresistible blend.”
The character of Maddie Sharma, a con artist with a penchant for elaborate heists, was another compelling factor. “Maddie is slick, manipulative and unapologetically ambitious. He’s from a family of thieves, but he doesn’t consider himself just a thief—he sees himself as an elite heist artist,” Samir explains.
What makes Maddie even more intriguing is his layered personality. “Underneath his narcissistic exterior, he has mommy issues and a desperate need for her approval. That emotional complexity made the role so much fun to explore,” he says. The Four More Shots Please star dived deep into preparing for Maddie. “I had to step away from my usual self to embody this character. Maddie is cunning and calculated, almost like a snake that paralyzes its prey,” he explains.
To bring authenticity to the role, he worked closely with the director to fine-tune the script and add quirks to Maddie’s persona. “We decided that Maddie would occasionally speak French—not proper French, but enough to confuse people around him. It’s these little eccentricities that make him stand out,” he says.
The physical transformation was equally significant. “I grew a thick beard for the role, which is something people haven’t seen me with before. It’s been a rollercoaster playing Maddie, constantly thinking of ways to make him crazier and more unpredictable,” he shares.
For him, selecting a project is about following his instincts. “I absolutely wait for the right project. Sometimes, the roles you want don’t come your way, and you have to find a balance between what’s available and what resonates with you. If my heart’s not in it, I won’t do it.”
When asked about his earlier statement of being a ‘struggling actor,’ he believes the struggle is ongoing. “An actor is always struggling. Even when you get the right role, you struggle to perfect it,” he says.
However, Samir emphasises the importance of gratitude over struggle. “I’ve moved past dwelling on what’s not happening. Instead, I focus on the opportunities I have and look forward to what’s next,” he says.
The Typewriter fame further shared his thoughtful approach to choosing projects, emphasizing the importance of balance and alignment with personal aspirations. “I, of course, wait for the right project to come my way. You need to draw a thin line between what you get and what you want to get. You need to find your own calling in the middle of all of it.” He further added, “If my heart is in something, then I’m into it.” For Samir, passion and purpose are the guiding principles behind every career decision.
Beyond Moonwalk, Samir has an exciting slate of projects. “I’m currently working on my own podcast series, with four or five episodes already shot. It should be out soon,” he reveals.
Additionally, he has signed a show with Netflix, slated to begin production at the end of January. Though he’s bound by contract confidentiality, he hints at it being a significant milestone. “I’m also hosting the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) for Sony and a concert series featuring legends like Shankar Mahadevan and Hariharan,” he adds.
As he juggles multiple ventures, Samir remains optimistic and driven. “I’m in a good space, but I’m hungry for more. I love the space that I am in. I look forward to continuing this journey with passion and gratitude.”
Samir Kochhar’s evolution from a budding performer in Delhi to a celebrated actor and host is a testament to his unwavering dedication. With Moonwalk and other exciting projects on the horizon, he’s set to embark on yet another remarkable chapter in his career.
