De Niro initially resisted including Kher’s character in a critical scene based on his interpretation of the script. Risking both his role and the chance to act alongside his idol, Kher voiced his perspective.
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Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher recently shared his journey at a masterclass during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) reminding everyone that “giving up is not a choice.” From his breakout role in ‘Saaransh’ to becoming friends with Hollywood legend Robert De Niro, Kher’s story is one of passion for the craft.
Kher was just 28 when he took on the role of a 65-year-old man in Mahesh Bhatt’s ‘Saaransh’ in 1984. The film launched him into the spotlight. Over the years, he not only became a household name in India but also carved a path into international cinema appearing in Hollywood projects like ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and the popular TV series ‘New Amsterdam’.
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But one story from his Hollywood journey left the audience spellbound. A long-time admirer of Robert De Niro, Anupam Kher revealed that as a student, he had written papers analysing ‘Mean Streets’ and ‘Taxi Driver’. Decades later, the dream of working with De Niro finally came true when Kher was cast in David O Russell’s ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, a film De Niro was attached to.
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However the experience wasn’t without its challenges. De Niro initially resisted including Kher’s character in a critical scene based on his interpretation of the script. Risking both his role and the chance to act alongside his idol, Kher voiced his perspective standing firm on what he believed was right for the scene. That evening, while sharing a drink in his van, De Niro praised Kher for his honesty and performance. Today, Kher proudly calls De Niro one of his closest friends.
During the IFFI session, Kher also reflected on the broader lessons from his life and career. “What happens in your life goes on to become the story of your life,” he said. “Why should life be easy? Why should it be simple? And why should it not have problems? Because it’s your problems that will make your biopic a superstar biopic.”
He encouraged young artists and dreamers to embrace failure as a temporary event, not as a reflection of who they are. “Failure is an event, not a person, and the film of your life deserves a blockbuster ending,” he added.
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