The Unexpected Past of a Bollywood Veteran: Anupam Kher’s Journey from Masseuse to Movie Star
Before becoming one of Indian cinema’s most revered and prolific actors, Anupam Kher walked a path few would anticipate: that of a professional masseuse. This intriguing chapter of his life, often shared with a twinkle in his eye, began not long after he completed his studies at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi in 1978. Faced with the uncertainty of an aspiring actor, Kher sought a practical skill, discovering an unexpected avenue at the luxurious Oberoi Hotel.
“I found myself in Delhi’s Bengali Market, unsure of my next move after formal education,” Kher once recounted. “Then, a newspaper advertisement caught my eye: a massage course at the Oberoi Hotel. I enrolled, completed the three-month program, and even practiced professionally for a couple of months.” This foundational experience, while brief, would later resurface in the most unexpected and humorous of settings – right on a Bollywood film set.
Lights, Camera, Massage! A Hilarious Incident on the Set of ‘Hum’
Years later, on the bustling set of Mukul Anand’s 1991 crime action drama, *Hum*, Anupam Kher found his past vocation surprisingly useful. Between takes, he would offer his massage skills to weary co-stars, providing a moment of relief amidst the demanding schedule. But one particular session, involving Veena Shirodkar, mother of actress Shilpa Shirodkar, turned into an unforgettable anecdote, recounted by Kher himself on Netflix’s *The Great Indian Kapil Show*.
Kher vividly recalled the moment: “I had just finished massaging Danny Denzongpa and some others when I began working on Shilpa Shirodkar’s mother. Suddenly, the electricity went out.” What followed was a blackout accompanied by distinct sounds from Mrs. Shirodkar. Her exclamations, “Oh, Anupam!” echoed through the darkness, prompting a famously embarrassed reaction from none other than the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, who was present on set.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Priceless Reaction to a Power Cut
The absence of light, coupled with Veena Shirodkar’s vocal reactions, created an intensely awkward yet hilarious situation. Amitabh Bachchan, known for his towering presence and deep baritone, found himself in an unfamiliar state of discomfiture. Kher humorously mimicked Bachchan’s urgent plea: “Bhaiya, light jaldi le kar aao! (Brother, bring the lights back quickly!)” The *Saaransh* actor laughingly confirmed Bachchan’s evident embarrassment, a moment that left host Kapil Sharma and the audience in splits. Sharma even playfully suggested Kher might have had ulterior motives, a jibe Kher promptly denied with a chuckle.
The Star-Studded Legacy of ‘Hum’
The film *Hum*, the backdrop for this memorable incident, was itself an epic, multi-starrer production. It brought together some of Indian cinema’s biggest names, including Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Govinda, Shilpa Shirodkar, Danny Denzongpa, Kader Khan, Annu Kapoor, and Vijay Khote, among others. The movie remains iconic for its high-octane action and especially for its chart-topping dance number, “Jumma Chumma De De,” featuring Bachchan alongside Kimi Katkar. Shilpa Shirodkar’s mother, Veena Shirodkar, was a former model who passed away in 2008.
From Classic Tales to Contemporary Romance: Kher’s Enduring Passion
Anupam Kher’s cinematic journey continues unabated. He recently appeared on *The Great Indian Kapil Show* to promote his upcoming romantic anthology, *Metro… In Dino*. This film, produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series, is a spiritual successor to Anurag Basu’s acclaimed 2007 directorial, *Life… In a Metro*. The ensemble cast is equally impressive, featuring talents like Neena Gupta, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Rohan Gurbaxani, and Saswata Chatterjee, promising a fresh take on modern relationships.
Mumbai: The City That Embraces Dreams and Devours Vada Pao
Reflecting on his remarkable career, Anupam Kher often shares his deep affection for Mumbai, the city that became his home when he arrived in 1981 with aspirations of acting. In an exclusive interview, Kher described Mumbai as an “intoxicating city,” akin to a “security blanket.” He elaborated on its unique generosity, stating, “There’s no other city in the world, other than New York to an extent, which is so generous. It gives at least one chance to everyone who comes here.”
Kher’s bond with the city is profound. He believes that once you’ve truly lived in Mumbai, it’s difficult to imagine life anywhere else. Despite its initial demanding nature, pushing individuals to find their footing within the bustling crowd, Mumbai ultimately nurtures and supports. He humorously noted, “I haven’t seen anyone starve to death here,” adding, “Someone was telling me *vada pao* has been one of the top seven meals of the world. I’ve had so much *vada pao* myself!” This sentiment encapsulates the actor’s resilient spirit and his enduring love for the city that shaped his legendary career, a journey that remarkably began with a massage course and led him to share the screen with cinematic giants.
