A Shared History: Anupam Kher & Neena Gupta’s Enduring Connection
Veteran actors Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta are once again sharing the screen, this time in Anurag Basu’s much-anticipated film, Metro…In Dino. This marks a reunion for the celebrated duo, who first crossed paths decades ago within the hallowed halls of the National School of Drama (NSD) in the late 1970s. Their collaboration extends beyond cinema, notably in Rakesh Bedi’s acclaimed play, Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha, and more recently in films like Sooraj Barjatya’s Uunchai and Ajayan Venugopalan’s Shiv Shastri Balboa.
In Metro…In Dino, which serves as a spiritual successor to Basu’s 2007 romantic anthology Life in a… Metro, Kher and Gupta portray college batchmates. Their characters, whose youthful infatuation never blossomed, find a second chance at romance years later during a poignant college reunion, exploring the complexities of rekindled affections.
The Theatrical Foundation: Adapting to Anurag Basu’s Spontaneity
Their extensive background in theatre, particularly their NSD training, has evidently shaped their adaptability as performers. When discussing Anurag Basu’s often improvisational and spontaneous directorial style, both actors expressed immense comfort. Neena Gupta noted that last-minute dialogue changes are easily handled, especially in Hindi. This immediate grasp and seamless delivery are hallmarks of their stage experience, where quick thinking and fluid performances are paramount.
Anupam Kher further elaborated on this synergy, highlighting that Basu’s characters often mirror the lives of everyday people. This authenticity allows seasoned actors like themselves to infuse their deep understanding of human nature and real-world experiences into their portrayals. He even suggested that films like Shiv Shastri Balboa could seamlessly transition into stage plays, underscoring the theatrical essence embedded in their recent cinematic ventures. Their long careers and profound training equip them to embody characters with depth and nuance, making them perfectly suited for Basu’s organic approach.
Neena Gupta’s Unconventional Definition of Love
During a candid interview, Neena Gupta offered a deeply personal and unconventional perspective on love. She confessed that her understanding of love solidified only with the birth of her daughter, Masaba Gupta. This maternal bond, she stated, remains the purest form of love she has ever known, leading her to question the dramatic portrayals of romantic love often depicted in Western films. She mused on her own pragmatism, admitting to a certain detachment from the intense, all-consuming passion often romanticized in fiction.
Despite past relationships, some lasting years, others brief, Gupta shared that no partner ever truly met her idealistic expectations of romantic love. She humorously suggested that perhaps her practical nature prevents her from experiencing such profound, sacrificial emotions, echoing a sentiment of quiet introspection on her own emotional landscape.
Anupam Kher’s Broad Perspective on Human Connection
Anupam Kher weighed in on the discussion, offering a broader philosophical view on love. He posited that falling in love with another person is, in essence, an extension of self-love, driven by a fundamental desire for belonging. While acknowledging the initial beauty of romantic relationships, he also highlighted their often challenging and ultimately transient nature, observing the common human cycle of intense affection followed by separation and new beginnings.
Kher also passionately argued against the narrow societal definition of love, which often limits it solely to romantic relationships between a man and a woman. He emphasized that love manifests in myriad forms – for parents, siblings, friends, and even pets. This expansive understanding suggests that profound connection transcends traditional romantic narratives, celebrating the rich tapestry of human bonds. He reflected on the unconditional support he received from friends like the late Satish Kaushik, who famously offered to marry Neena Gupta during a challenging period, underscoring the powerful and often overlooked depth of platonic affection.
The Enduring Bond: Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher’s Long-Distance Marriage
Anupam Kher offered insightful reflections on his own enduring relationship with his wife, Kirron Kher. Their bond, initially forged in deep friendship, evolved through various life stages, including Kirron’s previous marriage to Gautam Berry, father of Sikandar Kher, and Anupam’s own past relationship. Despite the geographical distance often separating them due to their demanding careers, Kher maintains that their connection is rooted in mutual acceptance and understanding, rather than the dramatic ‘Aashiqui’ of films like Romeo Juliet or Shirin Farhad.
He candidly admitted that the passionate, all-consuming love often depicted in Bollywood and classic literature is challenging to sustain in practical life. Kher views such intense declarations of “can’t live without you” with a pragmatic lens, recognizing that human nature often leads to new affections and relationships. For him, the true strength of his marriage with Kirron Kher lies in a deeper, more mature bond built on unwavering friendship and shared life experiences, proving that love evolves far beyond initial infatuation.
Mumbai: A City That Gives and Takes
The trailer for Metro…In Dino provocatively suggests that a city, while offering much, can also exact a heavy toll. Both Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta, veterans of the Mumbai film industry, shared their intricate relationships with the bustling metropolis. Kher, who recently celebrated 44 years since his relocation to Mumbai, describes the city as “intoxicating” and a “security blanket,” akin to New York in its generosity. He believes Mumbai offers at least one chance to every aspiring individual, becoming an inseparable part of one’s identity.
Neena Gupta, on the other hand, recalled her initial awe at the smell of the sea upon her arrival, now associating it with missed opportunities. Yet, despite any lingering melancholy, she humorously refers to Mumbai as her “God” and an unbreakable habit. She recounted a touching anecdote about her electrician, Motilal, who seamlessly handles various household repairs and often defers payment for months, highlighting the unique, trusting relationships that can flourish in Mumbai’s seemingly impersonal environment. Both actors underscored the city’s inclusive spirit, noting that it accommodates all types of people and, famously, that no one starves, even praising the humble Vada Pao as a global culinary marvel.
Parenting Philosophies and Creative Ambitions
The film’s trailer also features a poignant moment where Konkona Sen Sharma’s character, Neena Gupta’s on-screen daughter, laments becoming exactly like her mother, despite striving for individuality. In real life, Neena Gupta revealed her conscious effort to ensure Masaba Gupta makes her own decisions, free from parental influence. While acknowledging that children rarely heed advice directly, she trusts in organic growth, allowing Masaba to forge her own path without constant instruction.
Beyond acting, both stalwarts have ventured into direction. Anupam Kher, after a 23-year hiatus, returned to the director’s chair with Tanvi The Great. He explained that this project stemmed from a deeply personal story he felt compelled to share, emphasizing the profound satisfaction of directing from the heart. Neena Gupta’s directorial journey with the TV show Saans in 1998 was born out of a desire to create fulfilling roles for herself. However, content with her flourishing acting career (“itni achchhi dukan chal rahi hai acting ki main yahin rehna chahti hoon”), she currently expresses no desire to revisit direction, finding immense satisfaction in her current creative pursuits.
Age as a State of Mind: Unwavering Ambition
As Metro…In Dino’s trailer proclaims, “age is just a number”—a philosophy both Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta embody wholeheartedly. At this stage of their careers, far from slowing down, they feel a renewed sense of purpose and boundless ambition. Anupam Kher articulated that they are actively demonstrating this belief to the world, proving that self-awareness and self-acceptance lead to a profound understanding of one’s potential.
He stressed that once individuals truly know and love themselves, the possibilities are endless. Both actors expressed immense pride in their journeys, recognizing that despite their considerable achievements, there remains a vast expanse of creative endeavors to explore and challenges to conquer. Their zest for life and dedication to their craft continues to inspire, confirming that for them, the best is truly yet to come. Metro…In Dino is set to captivate audiences in cinemas on July 4.
