I hate being called legendary as I still feel like a newcomer: Anupam Kher

24 (Anil Kapoor Film Co and Ramesh Deo Productions), the much-talked about show on Colors, is all set to take over the TV arena by storm. Comprising of a spectacular star cast from B-Town, the one face that strikes us is the talented Anupam Kher, who plays a RAW agent Wasim Khan in the series. When we caught up with Anupam Kher at the launch of the show recently, he spoke about his comeback on TV. “This is a very engrossing series that will keep you on the edge of your seat in every episode. I know there is an audience which enjoys watching stories of rural India, but along with that, there are many who enjoy watching shows of different genres. A show like ours will definitely bring about a great change and I am sure it will lead to production of some more shows on the same lines,” says the veteran. “Today the audience is in control of what they want to see on TV. If they go to see a film and find it boring, they might just sit back for the couple of hours and bear the film. But when it comes to TV, they will switch to another channel as soon as they find a moment of dullness on the show. There are so many options around. These days, audiences demand brilliance in every moment and for that definitely more hard work and an appropriate budget will be required to give that spectacular effect,” he adds. When asked why such interesting shows have to be adapted from foreign shows and not made in India originally, the two-time national award winning actor puts it thus, “Since every one of us loves masala and entertainment on television, it will take time to come to that stage as we are slowly moving towards a change. Since we are still not used to finesse and perfection, we play safe with the audiences’ demands.” Talking about his good friend Anil Kapoor ,Anupam avers, “He is a great friend and we have had a long association together. When Anil asked me to be a part of this show, I had nothing to say but to just come aboard. Anil is now a much-settled person and does not mind taking risks. It was his belief that the show would work well here in India.” Kapoor was also the one who made Anupam hit the gym and get started with some great fitness regime. As he says, “All these exercises and diet control definitely helped me feel healthier and young. I joined his gym, but only managed to do 10 per cent of the exercises that he does every day.” The actor, who has been around for 30 years in the industry who intends to revamp Homeland for Indian TV, quips, “I just don’t like being called legendary; I still feel like a newcomer. And as for my comeback to TV, well I have always believed in the journey rather than the destination. So I’ll take up any good work that comes my way.” “Right now it’s the golden period when it comes to film and TV. With such interesting concepts that will affect the society positively, change is always a highpoint. And for me creativity is any day more important than numbers,” the talented actor adds. With many big names turning to reality shows, we finally asked Kher whether he would get back to doing one (he had earlier hosted shows like Say Na Something To Anupam Uncle and Sawal Dus Crore Ka), Kher signs off saying, “Reality shows are definitely a great attempt to bring out new talent and give employment to so many people. But I feel I am too original to be a part of such shows.” Well, it looks like it is definitely going to be exciting to see such a talent like Anupam Kher sparkle on our TV screens soon.