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A dream journey to success
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He came to Mumbai like countless others with big dreams, lot of talent and little money. Now a big star, Anupam Kher traces his long journey in a chat with MANDIRA NAYAR.
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"I may not be Spielburg but I'm happy,''
A classic rags to riches story. From the green hills of small town Shimla to the tall skyscrapers of Bollywood. Yet Anupam Kher considers himself an ordinary man. He may be a face people recognise, but the little boy in him has not stopped dreaming.
He came to Mumbai like countless others with a dream to become actor with no money and only talent. Unlike the million others who never even get close to their dream, Kher's journey to success could be a film script.
He has not forgotten the crowded chawl he lived in before he got his first break. Or the frustration he felt when he told Mahesh Bhatt that he was not good but brilliant which landed him his first role in "Saaransh''. "If I hadn't fought with Mahesh Bhatt I might have never been here. It has been a dream journey. I thank god for making me go through this. I had only dreams in Shimla. I thought I'll make it big, but I didn't believe I could,'' he says shrugging his shoulders.
"When you have Rs. 10 you dream of Rs. 100. I wanted to be the best actor in school, once I'd done that I wanted to be the best actor in college, then university, then the best in the State'' he says excitedly.
Kher had no problems in proving his acting ability, his portrayal as the upright father unwilling to give up, amply showed off his skills as a gifted actor. From the serious to the comic in ''Lamhe'' and even the ruthless Dr. Dang in ''Karma'', he has created some memorable roles. He has managed to bridge the gap between the mainstream and off beat, yet staying within the commercial realm.
In an industry where only "stars'' are popular, Kher has made a space for himself by being an actor. "I have done at least 20 roles that I'm proud of,'' he says, which is more than what most people can say. "My favourite role is `Daddy' because I think to portray failure with dignity is tougher than playing a successful man.''
Tired of being in front of the camera after 280 films, Kher has decided to take the plunge and try and use his skills behind. With "Om Jai Jagadish'' being his first directorial debut, Kher's life has almost come full circle, he has to prove himself again. Only this time he has more to lose, having turned down every role offered to him in the past year.
``It is important to take risks and put your position at test. Even if I have to start from scratch again at least I am someone now. Besides, I am optimist. I don't worry about failures,'' he says smiling.
"I don't take life too seriously. Everything is so exciting, even posing for pictures at a press conference. I don't compare my achievements with other people. I may not be Spielburg but I'm happy,'' the actor states.
Unlike most film directors who insist that their film is the best Indian cinema has ever seen, Kher has no such illusions. "I am not saying my film is the best film ever made, because it isn't. But it is the warmest,'' he quips. '' And I'm sure that it will do well. My grandfather used to say if you work hard and with a pure heart, you will never fail. I have never found a reason to disprove him.''
Hard work doesn't necessarily guarantee success of a film, even for Kher, especially if it's up against the much hyped "Devdas''. But Anupam is not worried and is sure that he will pass the acid test. "When you can run with horses, why would you want to run with donkeys'' he asks.
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Life
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Thiruvananthapuram
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