Anupam Kher calls Ram Gopal Varma "one of finest director," duo tease future collaboration
Mumbai, March 26
Actor Anupam Kher and filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma sparked fresh interest in a potential collaboration after the two stalwarts met in Mumbai on Thursday with Kher sharing a video of their interaction in his office.
In the video posted on his Instagram handle, Kher warmly welcomed Varma, calling him "one of the finest directors," and expressed gratitude for his visit.
He also revealed that the filmmaker had narrated "interesting subjects" during their conversation, hinting at the possibility of future creative discussions.
Kher noted that he has long admired Varma's filmmaking style and perspective, adding that he has closely followed his work over the years.
Varma returned the admiration, describing Kher as "the most versatile actor" he has seen.
He highlighted Kher's wide-ranging performances across genres and characters, emphasising his ability to transform seamlessly from one role to another.
Varma also recalled their previous collaboration and stated that while Kher had a small role in their earlier project, he now intends to work with him in a more "substantial" capacity.
In his caption accompanying the video, Kher elaborated on the meeting, calling it a "wonderful afternoon" that lasted nearly 90 minutes.
He described conversations with Varma as "layered, unpredictable and always fascinating," and expressed appreciation for the filmmaker's storytelling approach and cinematic knowledge.
Kher also acknowledged the significance of receiving praise from a director of Varma's stature.
Despite their long-standing presence in Indian cinema, the two have collaborated only once before, in the 2005 crime drama 'Sarkar'. In the film, Kher played Motilal Khurana, a political rival to Amitabh Bachchan's central character.
Meanwhile, Kher continues to remain active on the theatre front. The actor recently announced a new stage production titled 'Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane', which will be presented by his studio.
The musical play will feature Kher alongside actor Swaroop Sampat and is written and directed by filmmaker and theatre personality Gajendra Ahire.
The production marks a notable first for composer Anu Malik, who is creating music for a stage play for the first time. The musical score will include contributions from singers Shaan, Sukhwinder Singh, and Anandi Joshi, with lyrics by Kausar Munir and choreography by Chirag Aggarwal.
The play explores modern relationships, focusing on how individuals who appear familiar can still remain emotionally distant. It delves into themes of memory, connection, and human contradictions through a blend of drama and music.
The ensemble cast also includes Meghna Malik, Maya Sharma, Vikas Rawat, Shraddha Mandale, and Herman De Souza.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, RGV's recent work hasn't been great. But his early films were masterpieces. Pairing with an actor of Kher's calibre might bring back that old magic. Hope they choose a solid script and not just hype.
Sarkar was iconic! Motilal Khurana's character was so well played. It's surprising they haven't worked together more often. This is exciting news for true cinema lovers. The industry needs more such collaborations between veterans.
Interesting to see Kher balancing mainstream films, theatre, and now a potential project with RGV. His energy is inspiring. The new play 'Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane' also sounds very thoughtful. A busy and creative phase for him!
Mutual respect between artists is always heartwarming to see. Both have had their ups and downs, but their contribution to Indian films is undeniable. Hope the "interesting subjects" materialize into a good movie. We need quality content.
While I appreciate the gesture, calling RGV "one of the finest" feels like a stretch given his filmography in the last decade. But Anupam Sir is known for being gracious. Let's see if this talk leads to actual work. Actions speak louder than Instagram videos.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.