Anupam Kher in 'Breakaway'
The 56-year-old actor is well known for his comedy roles but say that to him and he insists that he has done other "intense" roles. Which he has, but truth be told he is always remembered for his fabulous funny-man characters.
The actor is in the new blockbuster 'Breakaway' and plays the role of Darvesh Singh who is the father of a boy that wants to play hockey professionally. The movie explores the issues of race relations, migration and cross-cultural tensions.
Anupam explains a bit about his role: "I am the father of Rajveer Singh who wants to be a hockey player. My role focuses on the father-son relationship. Rajveer wants to be a hockey player and my character who is a traditional Sikh doesn't agree with it at all."
The story revolves around Rajveer and his orthodox Sikh family. While his goal is to succeed in Ice Hockey his father has other ideas. In turn causing conflict when he pushes him to be a true 'Punjab da puttar' and devote his life to Waheguru and their family business.
The movie sounds familiar right? Except change the sport from hockey to football... Yes we've seen Anupam play the strict traditional father role before as well, in 2002 hit movie 'Bend It Like Beckham.' 'Breakaway' is similar in the sense that both movies portray the tension between tradition and following your dreams.
Even though Anupam is known for being a comedy legend, comedy isn't his favourite role to play: "I actually enjoy all roles after 434 films i've played all sorts of characters now." 434?!
He has also worked with all sorts of stars, from Shah Rukh Khan to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. But does he have a favourite co-star? He says: "No no all of them are good to work with, i can't choose one that wouldn't be fair." Yes it would be, just chose one! "No, i can't." He insists.
'Breakaway' also stars a host of respected mainstream artists such as Hollywood heartthrob, Rob Lowe; global comedy sensation Russell Peters; stunning actress Camilla Belle; the hottie that is singer Drake and Grammy award-winning rapper Ludacris.
Speaking about the promotion of the movie Anupam said: "It's been great fun promoting the movie with everyone, we've just been in Toronto and overall we've had a great response so far."
Aside from acting Anupam tells us how he also has other commitments, one of them being an acting school he has opened in India. The acting course teaches students skills in body language, dance, stunts, dubbing, film appreciation and personality development. The star also writes for a column and has written and starred in a play about his own life calle 'Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.'
Watch Anupam in action in 'Breakaway,' which will be releasing on the 23rd September 2011.
Female First Haleema Shabir