‘Working with Naseer was a refreshing experience’

Whatever the role, this versatile actor has made an indelible impact on viewers��� psyche with his acting skills.
Anupam Kher has deftly moved from the avant-garde to Bollywood masala and even English films with effortless ease. The actor says that his long stint in Bollywood has helped him in honing his craft. Acting apart, grapevine has it that Anupam Kher would soon don the director's cap again.NT learns more about it.
Behind the camera
The first film, which he directed was Om Jai Jagadish in 2002. Ask him about it and he says, "Yes, I am planning to direct a movie soon. Whether it's Maine Gandhi Ko NahinMara as a producer, or Om Jai Jagadish as a director, I have dabbled in different aspects of filmmaking, and I loved it. I am sorting out scripts. But, to be honest, these days I am very busy as I am acting in quite a few movies. Filmmaking calls for a lot of commitment, and I am afraid that I would not be able to do justice to it at the moment. Next year would be an apt time to utilise my directorial skills."
Instant connect
The veteran actor is making waves again as he has recently been seen in three films - C Kkompany - a comic caper, a movie based on terror and another one based on Kashmiri fable. Talking excitedly about his films, he says, "All these three films offer me a chance to play completely different characters. All the movies have one thing in common - they deal with the life of a common man. There are no happy or sad endings and people can instantly connect themselves with the characters.���
And how did he feel when the chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, openly appreciated one of his portrayals? ���Obviously, I was quite honoured. It feels nice to be appreciated.���
Working with Naseer
In one of his latest films, Anupam has appeared with seasoned actor Naseeruddin Shah after a long gap. Ask him about it and he says, "Well, I have only one scene in the film where I come face-to-face with Naseer. Chhota hi sahi, but working with Naseer after 12 years was indeed a refreshing experience. We had already shot the scene, but I was not happy with the result. So, I requested my director to reshoot it and it was nice on Naseer���s part that he agreed to shoot the scene again."
Lessons in acting
Anupam Kher is a trained actor who has been training the students of acting in the craft. But, there are many superstars in the industry who have not had any formal training. So are such schools necessary? "Why just acting, training in any field helps. Moreover, cinema has changed for good and the audience too can spot the difference between good acting and bad acting. Yes, there have been superstars who have not had a formal training, but everybody is not a born actor. Acting can be learnt," he opines.