Anupam Kher: I am always the hero
Anupam Kher's English film Hope and a Little Sugar will soon hit Indian screens and fans will get to see yet another side of this versatile actor. On the sets of his production Hawai Dada we catch up with Kher to talk about his various roles in reel and real life. Still gung-ho about every shot, Kher comes across as someone who is understandably proud of his achievements. And thus comes the gentle but firm reminder that he has made it against all odds and that his way is the right way.
Hope and a Little Sugar is finally releasing in India. What made you sign this film?
When I read the script, I realised Tanuja Chandra was not making just another film on terrorism. The story starts with a riot in India and blends into the post 9/11 communal tension in America. Despite coming from different religious backgrounds, the characters are affected in the same way by violence. Also I haven’t done such a role ever before.
What’s so special about your role?
My character ranges from being humorous to a state of extreme rage. I haven’t done a role with so many shades in one film. It's very human and you can't label it as a positive or negative character.
But you played a NRI sardar in Bend It Like Beckham also. How different are the two?
That was my biggest concern before signing this film. I was quite apprehensive of playing a sardar again because Beckham was so popular. But believe me Bhamra there and Oberoi here are completely different. The sardar in Hope… is little more realistic and serious as compared to the former.
Actually even in Mohabbatein you were a sardar. Is it some sort of a lucky mascot?
There's one more film – Uff Yeh Mohabbat. You could say that I guess. But Hindi cinema has always portrayed the sardar as a buffoon. Whereas I am quite proud of the fact that my four characters have a lot of dignity in them.
Going by the synopsis, Hope… touches upon the spate of hate crimes in USA post 9/11. Have you ever experienced or witnessed something like this?
In a small way yes. As an Asian you sometimes do feel a sense of negativity from others. It is very subtle but you can sense it. It’s most evident at international airports. Yet, if I feel so bitter about it, imagine what the NRIs – especially those who have gone from villages, feel when they face such attacks.
And how was the experience of working on the sets of this film?
It was great. Tanuja and my producer Glenn were very clear about the final product. Even Mahima and Amit gave their best to make sure the film looks good. You must understand that we were shooting in extremely cold conditions, on a tight budget. But I have always thrived under pressure and the January winter only brought the best in me.
Is it entirely in English?
Yes. But Hope… is not a crossover film. It is a regular Hollywood project shot with those sensibilities. We in India for some reason tend to make everything very dramatic. Having said that I am sure this film will connect with an Indian audience and work in a big way. Emotions remain same across the world.
