Anupam Kher celebrates 40 years of 'Karma', calls Dilip Kumar collaboration his "real award"
Mumbai, August 8
Legendary actor Anupam Kher on Saturday marked 40 years of the 1986 blockbuster 'Karma', recalling the film as a major turning point in his career and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share the screen with iconic Bollywood star Dilip Kumar.
Kher looked back at his journey from being recognised as an actor with 'Saaransh' to becoming a commercial star with Subhash Ghai's 'Karma'.
"40 YEARS OF KARMA! 40 years ago, KARMA happened! And what a blockbuster it was! What a film! What memories! What a turning point in my life!" Kher wrote on his Instagram handle..
'Karma', released in 1986, directed by Subhash Ghai, features an ensemble cast including Dilip Kumar, Nutan, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, Sridevi, Poonam Dhillon, Satyanarayana Kaikala and Anupam Kher.
He recalled how 'Saaransh' had established him as an actor, while 'Karma' opened the doors to the larger-than-life world of mainstream Hindi cinema.
"#Saaransh had established me as an actor. But Subhash Ghai Sahab's KARMA made me a commercial star. Suddenly, I was part of that larger-than-life world of mainstream Hindi cinema. And I was loving every moment of it! " he added.
However, for the veteran actor, the biggest gift of 'Karma' was the opportunity to work with Dilip Kumar.
"But the greatest gift Karma gave me was the privilege of working with the one and only Dilip Kumar Saab. To share the screen with him, to watch him perform from such close quarters, to learn from his silences, his pauses, his presence -- that was my real award," he said.
He also thanked filmmaker Subhash Ghai for trusting him with the role of Dr. Dang, a character that became an important milestone in his career.
"Thank you, Subhash Ghai Sahab, for trusting me with Dr. Dang and for giving me an opportunity that changed the course of my career," Kher wrote.
Remembering one of the film's memorable moments, he also quoted his character's dialogue: "Is thappad ki goonj suni tumne, Dr. Dang?"
Reflecting on the enduring impact of the film, Kher concluded, "Some films give you success. Some give you memories. KARMA gave me both.... for a lifetime!"
He wished the entire team of Karma on its 40th anniversary, signing off with, "Happy 40 years to the entire team of KARMA! Jai Ho!"
Meanwhile, Anupam Kher recently announced the completion of shooting for his upcoming film 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya', directed by Sooraj Barjatya.Backed by Rajshri Productions in association with Mahaveer Jain Films, 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya' stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari in the lead roles and is slated for a post-Diwali theatrical release.
He also has the much-awaited 'Khosla Ka Ghosla' sequel in the pipeline.The comedy sequel is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 28, during the Raksha Bandhan weekend.
The sequel brings back Ranvir Shorey, Kiran Juneja and Parvinn Dabass, who portrayed members of the Khosla family in the original film. Tara Sharma, who was also part of the 2006 film, has joined the cast for the upcoming sequel.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Such a nostalgic post! Karma was truly a turning point for Anupam Kher ji. From serious actor in Saaransh to commercial success in Karma, his journey is inspiring. And I love how he always acknowledges Dilip Kumar saab's influence. Respect for legends who respect legends. 🙏
Anupam Kher is a class act. His humility in crediting Dilip Kumar saab for his learning shows what true greatness looks like. Subhash Ghai's Karma was a blockbuster with an ensemble cast that can never be recreated. Happy 40 years to this gem of Indian cinema!
The way he describes learning from Dilip Kumar saab's 'silences and pauses' is so profound. That's what made actors of that era legendary. Karma was not just a film, it was an institution. Also, very happy to see him busy with Khosla Ka Ghosla sequel and the Barjatya film. The man never stops!
Honestly, I think Anupam Kher sometimes overdoes the nostalgia posts, but this one feels genuine. Dr. Dang was indeed an iconic character. That slap scene with the dialogue was one of the most memorable moments of 80s cinema. Good to know he values the experience over the box office numbers. Respect.
Dilip Kumar, Nutan, Sridevi, Jackie, Anil Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah...
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