Veteran actor-filmmaker Anupam Kher has launched his fourth book, “Different But No Less,” offering an unfiltered look into the making of his recent directorial venture, *Tanvi The Great*, and its unexpected financial challenges.
Unveiling “Different But No Less”
Anupam Kher, who recently returned to directing after 23 years with *Tanvi The Great*, has now stepped back into the limelight as an author. His latest book, launched in Mumbai, chronicles the arduous journey of creating his comeback film, a project that almost didn’t see the light of day.
The book delves into the initial rejections, casting dilemmas, and the profound inspiration behind centering his film around an autistic girl’s story. Kher shared that writing the film demanded “strength more than money,” calling the book the “strongest thing” he has ever done.
A Star-Studded Gathering
The book launch was a vibrant event, drawing a host of Kher’s friends, colleagues, and collaborators. Notable personalities in attendance included his long-time mentor, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, and actor Boman Irani, who charmingly hosted the evening.
Also present were actors Gajraj Rao, Anang Desai, and director Pankuj Parashar, underscoring the broad support for Kher’s new literary endeavor.
Mahesh Bhatt on Kher’s Vulnerability
Mahesh Bhatt offered a deeply personal reflection on Anupam Kher’s journey, highlighting his vulnerability as a core strength. Bhatt, who has known Kher since he was 28, emphasized that true courage stems from the ability to be vulnerable.
He expressed immense pride in Kher’s continued evolution, asserting that Kher’s “flight has just begun.” Bhatt joyfully acknowledged his own contribution to the actor’s remarkable career path.
Addressing the Box Office Buzz
*Tanvi The Great* faced a tough run at the box office, clashing with Mohit Suri’s musical *Saiyaara*. During the event, Boman Irani directly asked Kher about his feelings regarding the film’s underwhelming commercial performance.
Anupam Kher responded with characteristic conviction, stating that the film’s true achievement transcends financial metrics. He boldly claimed, “What I have achieved with this film, no other person could achieve in a hundred, thousand years.” Boman humorously added that actors, including himself, worked on *Tanvi The Great* without payment, simply following Kher’s passionate vision.
A New “Saaransh Moment”
The film’s titular actress, Shubhangi, was also present and shared a chapter from the new book with the audience. Boman Irani highly praised her performance, drawing a parallel to Anupam Kher’s own breakthrough role in Mahesh Bhatt’s *Saaransh*.
He remarked that what Bhatt had done for Kher, Kher has now done for Shubhangi, signaling a potential career-defining moment for the young actress.
- Anupam Kher’s new book details the challenging production of his film *Tanvi The Great*.
- Despite the film’s financial struggles, Kher considers it a profound personal and artistic achievement.
- The film’s story of an autistic girl was a major source of inspiration and strength for Kher.
Kher’s latest venture, both on screen and in print, underscores his unwavering commitment to storytelling that comes from the heart, regardless of commercial outcomes.
