In an introspective chat with reader Ashish Srivastav, Anupam Kher reflects on the highs and lows of his career

MUMBAI MIRROR; May 01, 2011

 

There are actors who are good at playing only certain characters, and then there are kalakaars like Anupam Kher who can essay any role effortlessly. More than two decades ago, I was deeply moved by his performances in Saaransh and Daddy, and ever since I have been a huge fan.

I was over the moon when I met him recently, as I was obviously curious to learn about his journey as an actor.

Anupam said, “I was a beggar when I entered the industry. I was hungry for work. It wasn’t easy, but why should it have been easy? That apart, I always wanted to be the best. I guess it is my small town mentality.

I don’t consider myself a character actor. I feel all the characters I have portrayed so far have been the heroes of the films. This concept exists only in India.”

From his experience, he understood that there was a need for formal training in acting today. “Abroad, you cannot even do a two-minute role if you are not a trained actor. You have to learn your craft well, or else it’s like going to a quack for medicines.

What sets actors like Om Puri, Seema Biwas, Naseeruddin Shah apart is that they have been trained in their métier and it shows,” explained the National School of Drama graduate.

For the same reason, he enjoys working with new age directors such as Dibakar Banerjee, Neeraj Pandey and Ayan Mukherjee. More >