At the International Film Festival of India masterclass titled
“Giving Up Is Not a Choice,”
Anupam Kher captivated a packed audience at Kala Mandir by sharing personal stories from his small-town beginnings, his career highlights, and his deep admiration for Robert De Niro. Offering a blend of motivation and candor, Kher spoke about how Robert De Niro acting inspiration played a pivotal role in shaping his journey as a performer.
Anupam Kher’s Path from Small Town to Screen Legend
Anupam Kher reflected on his remarkable rise, recalling how at 28 he tackled the demanding role of a 65-year-old man in Mahesh Bhatt’s film Saaransh in 1984. This performance established Kher in Indian cinema, and his career soon expanded to include over 540 screen appearances. He has acted across multiple Indian languages, bringing unique perspectives and versatility to each role. His journey ultimately led him to international projects, such as David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook and the series New Amsterdam, highlighting a bridge between Indian and Hollywood cinema.
Robert De Niro: Idol Turned Colleague
Kher reminisced about his admiration for Robert De Niro, revealing that he had written academic papers on films like Mean Streets and Taxi Driver during his student days. This longstanding admiration culminated in a significant experience when he joined the cast of Silver Linings Playbook—a project already featuring his acting idol, De Niro. Their collaboration, however, faced an initial hurdle: De Niro questioned the necessity of Kher’s character in an important scene based on his interpretation of the script.
Kher described the tension-filled moment when he bravely voiced his own view on the scene, despite the risk of jeopardizing both his role and the chance to act alongside his hero. That evening, De Niro invited Kher to his van and praised his performance for its honesty.
“Because I was truthful and not worried about being unpopular with the unit,”
Kher explained,
“today I can claim that Mr. Robert De Niro is one of my best friends.”
— Anupam Kher, Performer
The Power of Perseverance and Self-Belief
Throughout the session, the 70-year-old actor wove together tales of resilience, emphasizing that perseverance was essential to his career. Speaking directly to the audience, he highlighted the importance of self-belief and urged individuals to become the central figures in their own life stories.
“What happens in your life goes on to become the story of your life. Why should life be easy? Why should life be simple? Why should life not have problems? Because it’s your problems that will make your biopic a superstar biopic,”
Kher said, underscoring that triumph is born from adversity. — Anupam Kher, Performer
He offered a final reflection on the nature of setbacks:
“Failure is an event, not a person, and the film of your life deserves a blockbuster ending.”
— Anupam Kher, Performer
Significance and Impact of Kher’s Journey
Anupam Kher’s masterclass at the International Film Festival of India showed how connections with global icons like Robert De Niro can influence and inspire artists far beyond borders. By sharing his story, Kher demonstrated to the audience that even revered performers encounter obstacles and doubts, but it is through courage, persistence, and honesty that one forges a lasting legacy on both national and international stages. The actor’s candid reflections highlight the ongoing impact of mentors and the enduring value of believing in oneself, inspiring many to see their challenges as stepping stones to remarkable achievements.
