Veteran actor Anupam Kher, known for iconic films such as 'Saaransh', 'Special 26', 'Baby', 'A Wednesday!', and 'The Kashmir Files', continues to inspire with his fitness, dedication, and humility. Despite having acted in over 550 films, Kher remains far from complacent. He is now returning to the stage with a new play titled 'Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane', co-starring Swaroop Sampat. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Kher shared insights into his creative process and philosophy.
On retaining a childlike excitement
When asked how he maintains his enthusiasm after decades in the industry, Kher said, “I keep testing my possibilities, and that's possible when you have the fear of failure.” He elaborated, “90 percent of people don't try. There's a famous line by Osho: if you try, you risk failure; if you don't, you ensure it. I also don't take myself seriously. I don't carry the burden of Anupam Kher on my shoulders. I'm proud of the films I've done, but what I am doing today is what matters. I also feel that competence is the biggest enemy of brilliance. If I think I am competent, I won't strive to be brilliant because I assume I can deliver the line anyway. So I make things difficult for myself, and nothing is more challenging than a play because of the live audience. This time, I decided to do a musical. Anu Malik ji recorded songs sung by Shaan, and I sang the title track. Everything you do should not be something you have already done.”
Bringing uniqueness to every project
Kher emphasized his constant pursuit of novelty. “The last three plays I did — 'Salgirah' with Kirron Kher and my solo play — were unique. My autobiography on stage has never been done by a living actor. Then I did 'Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha' with Rakesh Bedi and Neena Gupta, but she decided not to continue. So I had a strong urge to do a play. I saw a Marathi play directed by Gajendra Ahire about relationships across three generations: retired, middle-aged, and the new generation. Everyone can relate to it. I am both the narrator and a character. For the first time, I am doing a play with 12 characters. It is difficult to get 12 committed actors in today's times, but Swaroop ji joined us, and we make a great team.”
On never getting complacent
Despite his vast experience, Kher stays grounded. “You think I am at this age, but in my heart, I am still 20. I don't carry the feeling that I have done 550 films.” He acknowledged the challenges of stage acting: “Learning lines is tough because you are live. As a newcomer, you don't have a reputation to uphold, but now I must live up to my body of work. I don't mind failing. At least I have the luxury of trying. The play has many entrances and exits, but that is the joy — no retakes. It removes the rust and dust from an actor. It keeps me agile and away from Alzheimer's. You remain sharp. Most people think of retiring at 60-65, but I would love to do this play when I am 90.”
Limitless possibilities
Kher urged people not to limit themselves. “We are limitless, but we limit ourselves. We accept what society says. Family and society ask, 'How much will you work?' But life is full of possibilities. Why not?” On the film front, Kher recently directed 'Tanvi The Great', which has garnered critical acclaim. For more entertainment updates, stay tuned to Times of India.
