Anupam Kher recently shared touching and humorous anecdotes from his time working with the legendary actor Dilip Kumar, revealing the profound impact Kumar had on his career and life.
A Legendary Meeting on Set
Anupam Kher has always looked up to Dilip Kumar, considering him the very reason he became an actor. Their paths crossed in four films, including Subhash Ghai’s “Karma” (1986) and “Saudagar” (1991).
Kher vividly recalls their first meeting on the sets of “Karma” in the early 1980s. He was already in character as Dr. Dang by 7 AM, while Dilip Kumar arrived later at 11 AM, stepping out of his white Mercedes in a pristine white shirt.
Kher admitted he was completely mesmerized, thinking, “Wow, he’s the guy why I became an actor.”
The Films That Inspired
Kher specifically named several of Dilip Kumar’s films that shaped his acting journey. These include the 1958 horror romance “Madhumati,” the 1967 dramedy “Ram Aur Shyam,” the 1970 action drama “Gopi,” and the classic 1955 romance “Devdas.”
He even shared a memorable incident from his youth, recalling how he “almost had his nose broken” while trying to buy tickets for “Gopi” on the black market.
“Anupam Kher Loves Dilip Kumar”
Kher’s adoration for Dilip Kumar was so evident that director Subhash Ghai had to playfully intervene on the “Karma” set. Ghai warned Kher, “Tu jis pyaar se inko dekh raha hai, tu mujhe marvaega! Tu meri film ka villain hai!” (The love with which you’re looking at him, you’ll ruin the film! You’re the villain of my film!)
Kher, ever witty, had a quick retort ready. He explained, “Anupam Kher Dilip Kumar se pyaar karta hai, Dr. Dang Vishwa Pratap se pyaar nahi karta” (Anupam Kher loves Dilip Kumar, but Dr. Dang doesn’t love Vishwa Pratap). This highlighted the clear distinction between his personal respect and his character’s role.
That Iconic Slap Scene
A memorable moment from “Karma” was the famous slap scene. Kher, eager to impress the veteran, suggested to Kumar, “Sir, slap me for real.”
Dilip Kumar’s response was classic: “Beta, Pathaan ka haath hai, behosh ho jaega” (Son, it’s a Pathaan’s hand, you’d faint after the slap).
However, after watching the scene, Kumar praised Kher to Subhash Ghai, remarking, “A dangerous actor has arrived. He’ll go a long way.” Kher recalls feeling invincible after receiving such an endorsement from the legend.
A Humorous Exchange Over Apples
Kher also recounted a lighter moment from the set when he was famished. Dilip Kumar, in a playful mood, decided to tease him by recounting a story about his father’s succulent apples and the concept of “Diminishing Marginal Utility.”
A hungry Kher, amidst the philosophical explanation, humorously told Kumar to stop, assuring him he was enjoying every bite as much as the first. This anecdote further illustrates the warm, respectful bond they shared.
- Anupam Kher considers Dilip Kumar his primary acting inspiration.
- Kumar famously warned Kher about the power of a “Pathaan’s hand” during a slap scene in “Karma.”
- Dilip Kumar’s early praise for Kher significantly boosted the young actor’s confidence.
These stories paint a vivid picture of the camaraderie and mutual respect between two of Indian cinema’s most revered actors.
