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Anupam Kher Opens Up About Chasing Rooted, Real-Life Stories in Cinema

Anupam Kher won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in 'Calorie' at the UK Asian Film Festival. He emphasized his conscious effort to pursue real-life, meaningful, and rooted stories in cinema. The film explores themes of memory, trauma, and family following the 1985 Air India tragedy. Kher plays an elderly Sikh man named Mohan Singh in the Canadian-Indian drama directed by Eisha Marjara.

Key Points: Anupam Kher on Real-Life Stories & Calorie Award

  • Anupam Kher wins Best Supporting Actor for 'Calorie' at UK Asian Film Festival
  • Film explores memory, trauma, and family after 1985 Air India tragedy
  • Kher plays elderly Sikh man Mohan Singh in Canadian-Indian drama
  • He emphasizes pursuit of real-life, meaningful, rooted stories
2 min read

Anupam Kher speaks up on his cinematic pursuit of real-life, rooted stories

Anupam Kher wins Best Supporting Actor for 'Calorie' at UK Asian Film Festival, speaks on pursuing meaningful, rooted stories in cinema.

"I have consciously tried to bring in stories that are real life, different, meaningful, and rooted in real-life experiences - Anupam Kher"

Mumbai, May 15

Actor-director Anupam Kher, who was recently feted with the Best Supporting Actor award for his work in 'Calorie' at the recently concluded UK Asian Film Festival in London, has said that the essence of his cinematic voice is his constant pursuit of stories that are real life, meaningful, and rooted in experiences.

Organised by Tongues on Fire, the 28th edition of the film festival highlighted the role of South Asian arts and storytelling within Britain's cultural landscape. The Closing Gala of the festival celebrated the annual Tongues on Fire Flame Awards, honouring South Asian talents that have been redefining South Asian cinema globally.

Talking about the film, Anupam Kher said, "'Calorie' is a truly special film, and I'm deeply honoured and happy to receive the Tongues on Fire Flame Award 2026 for Best Supporting Actor at the UK Asian Film Festival. Over the last few years, I have consciously tried to bring in stories that are real life, different, meaningful, and rooted in real-life experiences, and 'Calorie' is one such emotionally powerful journey".

He further mentioned, "The film explores themes of emotions and portraying this character was a special experience for me as an actor. I am grateful to the entire team of the film, and the audience for embracing our story with so much love. My heartfelt thanks to the UK Asian Awards for this incredible honour".

'Calorie' is an Canadian-Indian drama which explores themes of memory, trauma, and family. It focuses on a Sikh-Canadian family in Montreal and Amritsar grappling with the aftermath of the 1985 Air India tragedy. Anupam Kher plays the role of an elderly Sikh man named Mohan Singh in the film.

The portrayal brought a lot of critical appreciation for the actor, with his transformation for the role being widely lauded. He had described the film as a deeply emotional and transformative experience for him. 'Calorie' is directed by Eisha Marjara and was premiered at the 56th IFFI in Goa.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's refreshing to see an actor of his stature championing stories that are both emotionally powerful and culturally relevant. The 1985 Air India tragedy is a painful chapter, and I'm glad it's being explored with sensitivity. Kudos to the entire team! 🙏
V
Vikram M
Anupam Kher is a legend, no doubt. But I wish more mainstream Bollywood actors followed his path instead of making the same old formula films. 'Calorie' sounds like a gem—hope it gets a wider release in India too!
R
Rohit P
Finally, a film that doesn't shy away from tough topics. The Air India bombing is something many Indians abroad still carry in their hearts. Anupam ji's transformation for the role must be remarkable—can't wait to see it! ✨
K
Kavya N
So proud to see Indian stories being celebrated on global platforms. Anupam Kher has always been a class act, and this award is well-deserved. 'Calorie' seems like a heartfelt tribute to resilience and memory. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Siddharth J
A thoughtful piece, but I hope the film doesn't get bogged down by politics. The focus should remain on the human stories and healing. Anupam Kher is a fine actor, and I trust his judgment in picking scripts.

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