Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently revealed the emotional impact of being replaced by Amrish Puri in the iconic film ‘Mr. India,’ where he was originally slated to play the memorable villain, Mogambo.
The Mogambo Role That Almost Was
Anupam Kher candidly shared his experience of being fired from the blockbuster movie ‘Mr. India.’ He was initially cast as Mogambo, a role that eventually became synonymous with the legendary Amrish Puri.
Kher admitted that the decision left him feeling “belittled, hurt, and jealous” at the time. He recalled how he felt small, wondering why he had been replaced from such a prominent project.
A Different Vision for the Iconic Villain
According to Kher, his interpretation of Mogambo would have been quite different from what audiences ultimately saw. He and director Shekhar Kapur had a shared vision for the character.
Kher stated that his Mogambo would have been “more Machiavellian” and less “stiff” than Puri’s portrayal. This difference in creative direction contributed to his feelings about the casting change.
Jealousy as a Professional Motivator
Despite the initial hurt, Anupam Kher reflected on how jealousy can be a healthy emotion if channeled correctly. He believes that “professional jealousy makes you want to push yourself.”
He cited watching Jack Nicholson’s performance in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ multiple times during his student days as an example of being inspired to push his own boundaries.
Accepting the Legacy
Interestingly, Anupam Kher had previously revealed that a significant portion of the film had already been shot with him in the Mogambo role before the replacement happened. However, after watching the final film, he acknowledged the brilliance of Amrish Puri’s performance.
He stated that he realized the filmmakers made the right decision by casting Puri. Amrish Puri himself had initially been apprehensive about taking on the role, especially since parts of the film were already complete.
- Anupam Kher was initially cast as Mogambo in ‘Mr. India’ but was replaced by Amrish Puri.
- Kher felt “belittled, hurt, and jealous” by the decision at the time.
- He believes his Mogambo would have been “more Machiavellian” and less “stiff.”
- Kher now sees jealousy as a healthy motivator for professional growth.
- Despite the initial disappointment, Kher later recognized Amrish Puri’s iconic portrayal as the right choice.
This candid revelation offers a rare glimpse into the personal challenges and professional growth even seasoned actors face behind the scenes of filmmaking.
