Those ripping my performance have a bigger political agenda, says Anupam kher
Savage reviews notwithstanding, the controversial biopic on Dr Manmohan Singh, has opened to surprisingly satisfactory crowds. Anupam who was getting ready for a three-month long trip abroad on Saturday morning, however, couldn’t care less about the adverse reviews that the film has received. “No matter what you do, there will be people trying to pull you down. Criticism was always a favourite national pastime. Now film criticism has also become a big source of self-entertainment for Indians. I don’t take criticism or the film criticism to heart. Finally, it is just one man or woman’s opinion. And I’ve seen enough glowing and glowering reviews in my career to take both in my stride.”
What surprised Anupam more is the scathing criticism levelled at his portrayal of Manmohan Singh. “It seems some critics have a much larger political agenda than what I am supposed to have. The comments are uncalled for and irrelevant. I wanted to portray Dr Manmohan Singh with the dignity and grace that he deserves. And I think I’ve succeeded in that.
Grant me at least that bit of experience and wisdom as an actor,” says the 63-year-old actor who will be in the US for the next three months, shooting for the new season of New Amsterdam.
“I play an Indian doctor named Vijay Kapoor, one of the leads. It has become one of the most popular shows across the world. I am setting aside the next three months fully for the series, with no other digression.”
Anupam’s closing thoughts on the cynical reviews of The Accidental Prime Minister?
“We set out to tell the story of an unsung hero, a politician who was far less political than the job required him to be. The film is based on a book written by Dr Singh’s political advisor. But it is not a biopic on Dr Singh as it just depicts 10 crucial years of India’s politics. You may not think much of the film but do not belittle the intelligence of the country’s movie going audience.” But the actor is happy that the film has received encouraging opening despite the scathing reviews. He quips, “Indians are politically savvy people. The audiences like to know the truth about political figures, especially someone as reclusive as Dr Manmohan Singh.”
Anupam hits out at Rahul Gandhi
Videos of Congress workers vandalising a movie theatre in Kolkata to protest over the release of the film The Accidental Prime Minister have gone viral. Anupam took to Twitter to question the Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi. The tweet reads, “Dear @RahulGandhi. I don’t think your supporters who vandalised a theatre playing #TheAccidentalPrimeminister read your tweets about #FreedomOf Expression.” In another tweet, he said, “Intolerance of the people who pretend to be tolerant. Cong workers vandalise theatre over ‘The Accidental...’ screening.”
