Anupam Kher reflects on going bankrupt in 2004, starting over

Anupam Kher is enjoying himself thanks to the success of this year's third movie. Following the critical and financial successes of The Kashmir Files and Kartikeya, Anupam's most recent movie Uunchai has also seen encouraging box office statistics. The actor disclosed in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times that his mum gave him the finest praise for the movie. He also discusses his childhood pal.

Here is a snippet from the conversation in which Anupam discusses the brand-new movie, director Sooraj Barjatya, and many other topics.

What is the most admiring comment someone has ever made about Uunchai?

The phrase "you have the third hit this year" was the nicest compliment. What could be more flattering? (It has been incredible.) My mother and my brother both remarked that I was nothing like Om Sharma (Anupam's character) in real life. That is the truth, too. Om Sharma is angry, conventional, and resistant to change. I couldn't be more the opposite. That was a wonderful complement all by itself.

Have you ever encountered someone who claimed, "This is me," or "I've seen this figure before"?

One of my childhood friends, Vijay Sehgal, who now resides in Delhi, called me after watching the movie with his wife and introduced himself as "the Om Sharma of our trio." That is accurate because he was always the one to change our plans over the years. He would abruptly cancel all of our meetings and activities. Until he called, I was unaware of it. His wife informed him that Anupam was taking on the role of her husband.

Now that Uunchai is doing well, how does it feel?

Especially with Rajshri Productions, it is not my responsibility to care about how they release it. It is not up to me to judge how they should sell their movie; they know how to do it very well. We made a fantastic movie together, and their strategy—releasing it in 483 theatres and hoping for a rise in attendance—is paying off. Naturally, you want your good work to be seen by as many people as possible. And it's not just for the actor's benefit; it's also for the people who paid for it and the many years' worth of labourers who put their money into it. Anyone akin to Sooraj (Barjatya). I'm thrilled with how well the movie is doing both critically and financially. I consider myself fortunate that this is my third critically praised and financially successful movie this year. It makes me ecstatic.

Have you travelled in ways that exceeded your capabilities?

That's how I live. Before a significant scene in Hum Aapke Hain Koun, I experienced facial paralysis, and the doctor advised me to stay at home for two months and postpone the filming. I arrived at the sets and completed the day's shooting.

Due to my lack of financial acumen, I nearly went bankrupt in 2004 before having to start over. I am the sum of all of my mistakes. People began referring to me as a veteran, legend, and thespian, all of which suggested that I should be honoured with a lifetime achievement award and depart into the distance. However, I resisted doing that. I worked on an American series while travelling. People typically start to consider retirement after age 60, but I started getting in shape.

You refer to Sooraj Barjatya as "Buddha," but why?

That describes the entire Barjatyas family. It's uncommon to find folks like that in today's world. They portray the Indianness of films on screen, and in real life, they are just like that. Being truthful, cordial, and on time is what they consider to be cool. They are the founding family of Indian indie films. I occasionally inquire about whether they receive shots to help them relax at birth.

Sooraj is composed and collected. That does not imply that he never gets angry. Even if he gets annoyed and stuff (particularly when shooting is taking place), he is courteous. If someone can match him, that will be amazing. Being tranquil is the core of being a Buddha, and that is what he is. He feels all of that, so I'm not saying he isn't a human. However, as a Buddha, you rise above your flaws and limitations.