Anupam Kher needs no introduction in the world of Indian cinema and theater. After spending more than 30 years in the film industry and working in 491 films Kher is known for his dynamic personality and fearless opinions. The veteran Bollywood actor was recently in the city for his much praised and successful play 'Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha'.
The play, written and directed by Rakesh Bedi also stars veteran actress Neena Gupta. The play traces the life of two ex-lovers and their morning meeting where they revisit their memories in order to find out the reason of their separation. Cleverly woven around the emotion of first love, the play talks about estranged relationships and how we try to move on in life.
Kher talks about the relevance of the play in today's time, his recent remark on Intolerance and much more in this exclusive interview to IBNLive.com:
'Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha' talks about relationships of elderly couple. How do you see it connecting with the people who are still finding their first love?
Art is not necessarily contemporary. Initially when we just started with our play, people thought only those in their 40's and above would be able to relate to our play because of the veteran star cast. However, I believed that now you can't really put an age bar on anything. Youngsters now are more mature, aware and honest. They don't try to run or ignore what they see, they accept it, embrace it and relate to it. When you come and watch the play, you watch the story that touch your heart. Anything that touches your heart irrespective of your age is contemporary.
Tell us about your experience while working on 'Mera Woh Matlan Nahi Tha'
It has been a tremendous experience. After a long time we are seeing a Hindi play which has been received so warmly around the world. It has got a large canvas, a cinematic angle as well which has been directed by Neeraj Pandey. The play respects the sensibility of the audience . We went through the joy of creating it. Preparing for my character Preetam, I understood him and till now I discover a new aspect of him in every performance. That is the beauty of theater, your character is ever growing and dynamic. We create another life around us of that character and that gives us an incredible feeling. 'Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha' is that incredible feeling to me.
Talking about the word that has gripped the nation for past 2 months, 'Intolerance'- do you feel it's all about 'glass half full half empty' perspective? People are keeping different benchmarks before announcing India as tolerant or intolerant?
We can't keep any other country as our benchmark. We have a legacy to be the most tolerant country from time immemorial. When a London reporter asks our leader if India is an intolerant country, he should be the last person to raise such a question! We tolerated them for 200 years! Every country has it's problem and issues, no country is perfect. This country, the people have given me so much, I am what I am because of the country. You should not defame your land to satisfy xyz's political motives. I agree there are instances that make us feel insecure but instead of abandoning and starting the blame game, we should reflect upon the causes and learn how to fix it. India is known to be a land of love and benevolence that and I am proud of it.
People think just because Kirron (Kher) is associated with the ruling party I am always taking the side of Modiji, however I feel when your leader is representing your nation internationally you should have a mutual sense of respect. When an Arundhati Roy talks about problems in India on an international stage, that makes me angry.
We have termed the word 'nationalism' as something very old fashioned. Nobody today takes pride in saying that he or she is a true nationalist and this is a sorry state. You can't take a nation that has given you your identity, for granted.
State your point but don't drag it under the influence of other people.
What is your message to the young India over 'Intolerance'?
People are shying away from their Indian-ness. Today it's a rare sight to find a youngster who touches his parents' feet. These are all the traditions that make us who we are. Traditions are not something you have in routine, it's something you have in your roots and soul. Today's generation may come across as irreverent but they are very honest. Indian youth is librated they have a voice. They don't mince their words like us. Young India is intelligent and thus should not be affected by people with certain agendas to portray India as Intolerant.
Coming back to the theme of the play,do you feel today's youngsters are more keen on finding love through technology and surrounding themselves in the virtual world of social media?
Heart has nothing to do with technology. Heart has people in any form from the pre historic era to the real characters. Love has the same people, that's why people keep falling in love. None of the emotions have gone out of the world, that's what makes a person. Emotions are human nature, no matter how much mechanical or tech savvy you become, they'll never change.
Do you see a missing depth in today's love?
Today's age convey emotion a little superficially, yet somewhere there is a feeling of attraction. Medium may have changed but the emotions haven't. It's more fashionable to be a little distanced but raw emotion can't be replaced by anything. It's like your mother's cooking, no matter how far you go you will always yearn for your rooted flavour, you legacy, your upbringing.
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