Anupam Kher: One of the reasons I got the film Saaransh was because I was bald

Anupam Kher. File pic/Yogen Shah

Veteran actor Anupam Kher was catapulted into the spotlight with the film Saaransh in 1984, and since then, there's been no looking back for him. Kher is one of the most bankable actors in Bollywood even today, and has even made waves on the international front.

In a candid chat with Mumbai Mirror, Anupam Kher talks about the younger crop of actors, and how being different makes you stand out. He shares, "There were certain things that were easier back in the days, but today's generation has a lot more education and knowledge. They are disciplined, professional and talk to you as equals. They do not give you this false sense ki main aapki badi izzat karta hoon (I respect you a lot)."

He quips, "All my younger actors, Aditya (Roy Kapur), Varun (Dhawan) and others, are not supposed to call me uncle. I do not sit on this pedestal and think ki yeh aayenge aur mere paaon chhooyenge (I don't think that they will come and touch my feet). I feel that I am younger than them and I can give them a run for their money!"

Speaking about how talent and being different will take you places, Kher says, "Today, if you are skilled at what you do, then you will get a good opportunity. I tell my students, that if you look different, you have more chances of getting a role in a small budget, OTT project or even a big-budget film. The fact that they are different, they will stand out. Remember that one of the reasons I got my first film Saaransh is because I was bald."

On the work front, Anupam Kher has penned a new book on his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he says will be released soon. The actor is back in the US after spending several months in India due to the pandemic. He has started shooting for the medical drama 'New Amsterdam', in which he essays the role of Doctor Kapoor.