Anupam Kher recounts his journey of 40 years in cinema, urges everyone to be a dreamer.
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Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who is set to appear in the forthcoming film ‘Vijay 69’, embodies the spirit of a dreamer and encourages others to adopt the same mindset. On Monday, he shared a heartfelt message on Instagram reflecting on his four-decade journey in the film industry.
In his message, the actor reminisced about the challenging beginnings of his career. He stated, “The year 1984 was pivotal for me. Each day was filled with anxiety, testing my character and patience. I was fervently seeking work and recognition on my own terms. Lacking industry connections, my only assets were my determination and unwavering belief in my dreams.”
Anupam acknowledged that he did not fit the conventional mold of a leading man, yet he aspired for audiences to perceive him as a passionate artist through his performances. Before entering the film industry, he completed a four-year acting course and graduated as a gold medalist from drama school.
He elaborated, “I yearned for an opportunity that would allow me to showcase my true self and capabilities on screen. Many perceived me as arrogant and delusional. However, I was aware that the passion within me was waiting for the moment to prove them wrong. I am grateful to Mahesh Bhatt for believing in me when others did not. He cast me in ‘Saaransh’, a role that transformed my career.”
He went on to describe how Bhatt envisioned him as a 65-year-old man grappling with grief and rebellion after the loss of his son. This role surprised audiences and demonstrated that age should not define one’s ability to deliver a powerful performance, which has since become integral to his identity.
Looking ahead to 2024, Anupam shared that he will portray a 69-year-old man named Vijay Matthew, who aspires to become a triathlon athlete in his upcoming film ‘Vijay 69’, produced by YRF. This film symbolizes his resilience and determination.
He expressed, “Throughout my four-decade journey in cinema, two constants have emerged: first, my unwavering commitment to experimentation and self-challenge, and second, my enduring advocacy for the common man. My upbringing, my roots, and my formative years in this industry significantly influence this perspective. I cannot overlook the fact that I hail from a small town in India, born into a lower-middle-class family, and have navigated through challenging experiences that I hold dear. Even today, I draw upon the emotions I experienced as a child when preparing to deliver a scene.”
He acknowledged that his father, a clerk, serves as a profound source of inspiration for him. His father was an ordinary man with aspirations.
The actor noted, “I can never forget the depth of his gaze… it conveyed so much even in silence… Thus, when I portray a common man, I embody him on screen. It transcends mere performance; it is always about him and the common man I represent. I have never contemplated quitting acting, even during difficult times, and I never will… I am NOT A QUITTER!”
He elaborated, “I have flourished through my failures. Failure imparts lessons far more valuable than success. When I faced facial paralysis while filming ‘Hum Aap Ke Hain Koun’, many believed my career had come to an end. I overcame that challenge. As someone who initially spoke Hindi, I went on to collaborate with esteemed Hollywood talents such as Robert De Niro, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, and Keira Knightley, among others. I faced bankruptcy in 2002.”
Anupam remarked that ‘Vijay 69’ embodies his belief in the indomitable human spirit and holds deep personal significance for him.
He continued, “Life is indeed a continuous gift. I could not have wished for a more fitting film to commemorate my 40 years in cinema. At 69, I learned to swim because of ‘Vijay 69’! It taught me that age is merely a number, and only you can limit yourself from embracing new experiences.”
“I trained to become a triathlon athlete, endured a shoulder injury, and faced numerous setbacks, but it was all worthwhile. I urge everyone to be dreamers. Dreamers accomplish what others…
They see something that others can never imagine seeing. They live a life that’s fantastical. So, here’s to dreaming with our eyes open because as Vijay Matthew would say, ‘Sapno Ki Koi Expiry Date Nahin Hoti’”, he added.
