Talking with Subhash K Jha, noted actor-director-teacher-author-activist Anupam Kher speaks about his career so far, turning 71, and so much more.
To Anupam, work is not worship; it is a warship… He treats every minute as a visit to the warzone, optimizing his energy to top up the frenzy of the moment. For Anupam, every day is a tall, large glass of lager, foamy and heady at the top, deeply invigorating at the bottom.
As he turns 71, Anupam tells me, “There’s a whole avalanche of commitments waiting for my attention. And no, it doesn’t make me weary, just more charged up to do more work. I believe twenty-four hours a day is not enough for what I want to do. But I also believe any and every thing can be done in those twenty-four hours. Saying there isn’t enough time is just an excuse. You can make time for anything that you want to do,” says Anupam, who has several film projects on the anvil.
Which role does he enjoy the most? “I am first and foremost an actor. But I am a RESPONSIBLE actor. I don’t believe my work is over once I finish my shot. No! I have a voice, and I must use it to make a difference in society. You cannot be empowered and not use that power to help those who are not empowered.”
Anupam’s favourite roles? “Saaraansh, of course. 35 years ago, I played the age that I am now. I am grateful to the great Sanjeev Kumar for opting out of that project. Because of him, I got to play one of the most brilliantly written characters at the beginning of my career. There are many favourites. I love all the roles I’ve played, including those that got me flak. I am what I am today because of all the risks that I’ve taken. I am grateful for the mistakes that I’ve made. They’ve helped me better myself.”
Formula for good living? “Stay fit, eat well, sleep enough hours… Lead a disciplined life. That doesn’t mean you have to be a saint. Do everything you want to, but in moderation. I feel more energized and enthusiastic about life at 71 than I did at 24. I am no longer running after my dreams. I’ve pretty much done what I had to do. Projecting myself in the right light is no longer a priority,” says the actor-teacher-author-activist who has pretty much covered the entire gamut of life’s experience on and off screen.
