‘ACTING IS A PART OF MY LIFE, NOT MY LIFE’
Actor Anupam Kher is adamant on voicing his opinions and doesn’t seek anyone’s approval
From voicing his opinion against remarks on intolerance to criticising filmmakers for award waapsi, actor Anupam Kher (right) has been vocal with his views, and the actors says he is aware that somewhere he has also ended up upsetting many people in Bollywood with his actions.
Last year, Kher opposed actors Shah Rukh Khan’s and Aamir Khan’s views, when they voiced their concern over the growing intolerance in India, and followed it up by leading a tolerance march in the Capital. Kher, who regularly expresses his opinion on various social and political issues, feels it is important to stay true to oneself, without thinking what others will say.
“We are in an industry, which is need based. If you need me tomorrow, whatever I’ll say won’t matter to you. Because you need me. If you don’t, then also whatever I say won’t matter. “I’ve been through that phase. I’ve discovered it is important to be myself. I’m sure, I must have upset many with my opinions and there are people who are not very happy. But that’s alright,” Kher says.
The 61-year-old actor insists that “acting is a part of my life, not my life” and hence as a citizen he will always have opinions and will never hesitate to voice them.
Quiz him if the thought bothers him that the industry may shun him over his remarks, the actor says “it does” but he still chooses to tell the “truth” anyway.
“I don’t like people getting upset, but the truth is more important than not upsetting people. That’s the way I've been brought up. My grandfather, father told me that truth is much more important than being popular with certain people. Even if you’re popular with certain people, what do you get out of it?” Kher asks.
Kher believes he cannot please the whole world and people who are close to him will remain so, irrespective of what he says.
I don’t like people getting upset, but the truth is more important than not upsetting people. That’s the way I’ve been brought up ANUPAM KHER, ACTOR