In the glittering world of Bollywood, few actors have demonstrated the kind of chameleon-like versatility that Anupam Kher brings to the screen. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 500 films, Kher has slipped into countless personas, from the quirky everyman to the stern patriarch. Yet, it's his portrayals of three towering figures in Indian history—Dr. Manmohan Singh, Rabindranath Tagore, and Mahatma Gandhi—that truly showcase his depth as a performer. Recently, in a candid chat with ANI, Kher opened up about the grueling challenges behind these roles, sharing laughs over a cheeky prank call and the meticulous rituals that fueled his preparations. For aspiring actors and fans alike, his stories are a masterclass in dedication.

The Weight of the Present: Tackling Dr. Manmohan Singh

Among these iconic turns, embodying former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in the 2019 film The Accidental Prime Minister stands out as Kher's toughest nut to crack. "It was very difficult," Kher admitted, his voice laced with the humility of someone who's wrestled with a living legend. Unlike historical giants whose images are etched in faded black-and-white reels, Singh was a contemporary figure—familiar to millions through TV debates, measured speeches, and those signature half-moon glasses. Everyone had an opinion, a memory, a critique. How do you capture a man whose turbaned silhouette and soft-spoken demeanor were dinner-table staples?

Kher's answer lay in immersion. For five to six months, he pored over footage, dissecting every gesture: the slight hunch in his shoulders, the deliberate pauses in his Punjabi-accented English, the way he'd clasp his hands while pondering policy. "I rehearsed his mannerisms obsessively—how he sits, how he walks," Kher recalled. The real test came during a shoot in a quiet London village. As he practiced ascending and descending stairs in full costume, a crew member filmed it. The clip went viral, catching Kher mid-stride in his turban and suit, looking every bit the economist-turned-leader. "People didn't even recognize it was me at first," he chuckled. But the prank that sealed his confidence? A sneaky phone call to a close friend, where Kher channeled Singh's voice to perfection. "Hello, this is Manmohan Singh," he drawled, before bursting into laughter. His buddy bought it hook, line, and sinker—for a glorious 30 seconds. "That was my real test," Kher beamed. "If I could fool someone who knows me, I was ready."

Echoes from the Past: Channeling Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi

Stepping into the shoes of Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi presented their own hurdles, though buoyed by richer archival troves. For Tagore, the Nobel laureate poet whose words painted Bengal's soul, Kher dove into Agniyug: The Fire—his 538th film, directed by Biswajit Chatterjee. Still awaiting release, the role demanded Kher embody the Bard's ethereal grace: flowing robes, a beard that whispered wisdom, and eyes brimming with verses from Gitanjali. "We have photos, films, footage—it's a treasure chest," Kher noted. Yet, translating Tagore's introspective fire onto screen meant months of poetry recitals and voice modulation, ensuring the philosopher's cadence rang true without slipping into caricature.

Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence, brought a different intensity. In Vivek Agnihotri's 2025 release The Bengal Files, Kher revisited the frail yet unbreakable freedom fighter he'd glimpsed in documentaries. The challenge? Gandhi's era-spanning life—from lawyer to satyagrahi—required physical transformation: the iconic dhoti, spinning wheel props, and a fast that mirrored the Mahatma's ascetic resolve. "Black-and-white references help, but you must feel the weight of history," Kher reflected. His preparation involved fasting simulations, walks mimicking the Dandi March, and endless hours studying Gandhi's letters. Both roles, he said, were "extremely difficult" because they weren't just mimicry—they were resurrection.

A Legacy of Reinvention

Anupam Kher's tales aren't just actor's anecdotes; they're testaments to the alchemy of art. In an Instagram post flaunting a collage of these three looks, he captioned it with a gentle nudge: "Three characters—one actor. Sometimes, you need to remind yourself and others of your worth." At 70, Kher proves age is no barrier to reinvention. His journeys into Singh's quiet intellect, Tagore's lyrical soul, and Gandhi's unyielding spirit remind us why great acting endures: it's not about imitation, but invocation. As Bollywood evolves, Kher's blueprint—relentless rehearsal, playful pranks, and profound respect—lights the way for the next generation.

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