In a move that continues to exemplify his penchant for choosing unique and challenging roles, veteran Indian actor Anupam Kher has once again captured the curiosity of cinephiles around the globe. Known for his diverse and impressive array of performances, Kher has announced his latest endeavor: stepping into the shoes of a 69-year-old man with ambitions of competing in a triathlon. Kher himself is 69, and his character named Vijay in the upcoming film “Vijay 69” shares his age, making the challenge all the more personal and poignant for the celebrated actor.
Kher has never shied away from roles that defy conventional standards or push the boundaries of storytelling. Discussing his latest project, he passionately exclaims, “I am the actor who likes to break stereotypes. I want to push boundaries and do things that people say are not possible. People try their best to ensure that one remains mediocre because that’s how they see themselves. Who decides if you can do something or not?” This infectious enthusiasm is reminiscent of the vigor and determination he displays in his on-screen characters.
Vijay 69, directed by Akshay Roy, is not just a film about athletic prowess—it’s a narrative about courage, determination, and shattering the age-related shackles of society’s expectations. For Kher, who didn’t know how to swim prior to the role, the film offered a chance to embody the very essence of its message. He could have opted for a body double for swimming scenes. However, in a testament to his dedication, Kher insisted on perfecting the skill himself, remarking, “The film is about courage, and if the actor did not showcase that, it would be a contradiction. I didn’t want that.”
This dedication to authenticity and a willingness to tackle physically demanding roles seems to invigorate Kher, who, despite the taxing nature of such performances, expresses a desire to participate in films like Vijay 69 biennially. As he puts it, “When you have done so much work, you have to make your job difficult,” conveying his belief in the merits of challenging oneself continuously.
The industry has long hailed Kher as a reliable and bankable actor, and his substantial body of work reflects this standing. Films that focus on older characters, once a rarity, have achieved a remarkable resonance with audiences, further highlighted by Kher’s involvement.
. Yet, Kher questions why such narratives remain the exception rather than the norm, suggesting, “We believe in clichés. We like success stories. But Vijay 69 is also a success story. Our society tends to look at older characters from a sympathetic lens.” In Vijay 69, however, the audience will witness a protagonist who defies these stereotypes, a character unabashedly spirited and confrontation-ready.
With nearly 40 years of experience in the film industry, Kher’s career showcases an impressive diversity of roles. He recalls a pivotal realization from the early days of his journey, elucidating the industry’s often perplexing relationship with talent and celebrity. “I always considered myself the hero of a film. I had told Subhash Ghai [director] that my character in Karma [1986], Doctor Dang, is the hero. Had Dilip Kumar or Amitabh Bachchan played that role, they would have been considered the heroes,” Kher reflects.
Despite possessing a sophisticated understanding of acting, Kher observed a peculiarly industry-specific dichotomy, where those who deliver lackluster performances were often lauded as good actors, while those with stellar abilities were relegated to the role of “character actors.” In Kher’s insightful observation, “In our industry, those who act poorly are considered good actors, and the one who would perform well would be called character actors. It was torturous, sometimes. I used to look at a hero and think, ‘He is such a bad actor.’”
Through roles like Vijay in “Vijay 69,” Anupam Kher not only challenges societal norms but also reinforces the idea that age is but a number, and dreams remain attainable regardless of the years one has lived. As the film gears up for its release, audiences and critics alike eagerly anticipate witnessing Kher’s latest exploration of human potential and spirit.
