Anupam Kher recalls having Rs 37 in his pocket in 1981, when he came to Mumbai: ‘I don’t compare my last year’s income tax returns’ – EXCLUSIVE

At 71, Anupam Kher continues to be known for his unwavering dedication to his craft and infectious enthusiasm for work. Even after acting in over 550 films, the veteran actor remains eager to challenge himself and explore new creative avenues. Kher broke conventions right from the start of his career with Saaransh, where he took the bold step of playing an elderly man in his debut film, despite warnings that it could lead to typecasting.In a recent conversation with ETimes while discussing his return to theatre with his latest play, ‘Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane’, Kher reflected on his journey and the impact of ‘Saaransh’ on his career. Asked about how the Mahesh Bhatt directorial remains one of the defining performances of his career, Kher recalled, “A lot of people said, you’re playing the role of an old man when I decided to do the film. I was warned but I thought, if I don’t do this, I’ll be the biggest idiot. It is something which I also did because I wanted to prove that I’m a theatre actor. I’m from the National School of Drama in Delhi. So, I didn’t have any tension about whether I’ll be able to do this or not.“Looking back, the actor said he has no regrets about taking that risk. Instead, he feels grateful for how far he has come. Reflecting on the industry’s tendency to typecast actors, he said, “Even now, even after that, we have a big tradition of typecasting. I broke this typecasting. I was also doing Karma. I was also doing Ram Lakman. I was also doing other kinds of things because it’s, it’s the fear of failure which stops, makes people ordinary. I don’t have that. I came to the city of Mumbai with 37 rupees in my pocket. I just feel that if you go back to where you started from, you always feel that you are much better than where you started from. I don’t compare my last year’s income tax returns. I say, in 1981, I brought 37 rupees. According to that, I will always do well.”The actor said that measuring success against one’s beginnings, rather than constantly comparing achievements, has helped him stay grounded throughout his career.On the work front, Kher is currently occupied with his theatre production ‘Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane’. He also directed ‘Tanvi The Great’ last year, which received widespread critical acclaim.