Anupam Kher is a veteran Indian actor known for his powerful performances across Bollywood, Hollywood, and global cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, he has appeared in more than 500 films. Showcasing his versatility in roles ranging from intense dramas to lighthearted comedies. Best known for films like Saaransh, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and A Wednesday, Kher has won multiple awards for his exceptional acting.
Apart from films, he has also made a mark in television and international projects. Including The Big Sick and New Amsterdam. His impactful screen presence and ability to portray diverse characters have made him one of India’s most respected actors. In an exclusive interview, Anupam Kher speaks out on what is wrong with our film industry.
Anupam Kher On The Film Industry
In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Bubble, Anupam Kher shares an anecdote about what’s wrong with Bollywood. He says, “I think Hindi cinema is going through an identity crisis, I think we are…. not all of us but, I feel they feel being cool is, they’ve got the definition wrong somewhere of being cool, so they are trying to… including me, I’m trying to sort of ape the West. Hollywood ki joh filme hoti hai usme coolness yeh hai but, humare body language me woh coolness nahi hai, hum gestures istemaal karte hai, 22 humari official languages hai, har 500km ke baad naya khana hai, naya veesh-bhusha hai… unko angreezi me bola hai, ‘I love you,’ humare yaha par 50 tarike hai.” (I think Hindi cinema is facing an identity crisis. Many, including me, misunderstand ‘coolness’ and try to imitate the West. Hollywood’s style doesn’t fit our natural body language. With 22 official languages and diverse cultures, our expressions are unique—while English has ‘I love you,’ we have 50 ways to say it.)
Anupam Kher On Being Cool
“So I think this whole trying to be cool, I think, being cool is being original, ab.. now no more South cinema, now it’s Global cinema, it’s a universal Indian cinema. They have stuck to their roots, hum kahi joh haina kahi jaa rahe hai ki, ‘Aisa kuch karte hai ki actor joh hai, aise enter karega,’ why so many films… matlab I’m part of so many films, not talking but, constantly… nahi nahi, the cinema of 90s, there was fun, there was joy, whether it’s Lamhey, or Shola Aur Shabnam or Haseena Maan Jayegi, matlab… kya filme hai.” (Being cool means being original. Cinema is now global, yet while South films stay rooted, we seem to be drifting. The ’90s had real joy—films like Lamhe, Shola Aur Shabnam, and Haseena Maan Jayegi were truly great.)
“Abhi hum coolness ki… jaise bolte haina phati hui jeans pehenna, aur gaali de ke baat karna is coolness, no I think being punctual is cool, being honest is cool, being respectful is cool, being respectful towards women who are opinionated is cool, what is this coolness about gaali deke baat karna.” (Nowadays, people think wearing ripped jeans and using foul language is cool. But I believe being punctual, honest, respectful, and valuing opinionated women is true coolness. What’s so cool about speaking with foul language?)
On The Work Front
On the work front, Anupam Kher has an exciting lineup of projects. He will be seen in The Signature, a heartwarming drama, and Vijay 69, where he takes on a unique role. Additionally, he is part of Emergency, starring Kangana Ranaut, and The Vaccine War, directed by Vivek Agnihotri. Kher continues to explore diverse roles, cementing his legacy as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile actors.
Watch Full Interview
Interview transcribe & written by Harsh Nargolkar
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