Anupam Kher: 'Dreams Don't Expire & Neither Do I’—Actor Reflects On His 40 Years Of Celluloid Magic

Four decades and 542 films later, actor Anupam Kher describes his journey as one of reinvention and unlearning. He stars in Vijay 69, a heartwarming story of a 69-year-old man who defies age to pursue his dream of competing in a triathlon. "Like my character in the film, I too believe that dreams don't come with an expiry date. It's a full circle for me-I was 28 when I played a 65-year-old in my first film, Saraansh, and now at 69, I'm playing a 69-year-old but with the heart of a 28-year-old."

Kher has always pushed boundaries, refusing to be confined by any mold or genre. Starting his career with older roles, such as the grieving father in Saraansh or the struggling alcoholic in Daddy, he recalls well-wishers advising against playing older characters. But he never let the fear of being typecast hold him back. His villainous Dr. Dang from Karma remains an iconic screen villain, while his comedic flair shone in Lamhe, Ram Lakhan, and more. "I never had the fear of failure. As my father said, failure is an event, not a person. I approach every role with full gusto and refuse to be trapped by an image. Many actors become prisoners of their image, but that self-binding is something I've avoided."

Kher is pleased that the term "hero" has been redefined. "A hero isn't just someone who sings or fights; he breaks his own image and dares to do something new. I've treated every role and character as a hero, from my perspective."

As older hits, including many of his own, find their way back onto screens, Kher reflects on why today's films often lack recall value. "People take shortcuts when cinema becomes only a business. Yes, business is important, but it shouldn't be the sole focus. When storytelling suffers for profit, it harms cinema. I'm proud of both my good films and bad films, but now it's about what challenges me personally, in my performances."

Vijay 69 also stars Chunky Panday and premieres on Netflix on November 8th.