Renowned Indian actor Anupam Kher, celebrated for his diverse and bold film choices, once again captured the attention of movie enthusiasts worldwide with his announcement of taking on a challenging new role. In the upcoming film “Vijay 69,” Anupam Kher, at the sprightly age of 69, steps into the shoes of a character named Vijay—a 69-year-old man with a dream to compete in a triathlon. It is a role that not only tests his acting prowess but also his physical abilities, given Kher’s own age parallels the character he portrays.
Exhibiting the passion and enthusiasm he is known for, Anupam Kher shares his thought process behind taking on such a role. “I am the actor who likes to break stereotypes,” he says, with conviction ringing through his words. “Pushing boundaries and doing what people say can’t be done is what excites me.” For Kher, the film represents more than just another addition to his impressive filmography; it symbolizes a testament to human resilience and determination.
One particularly demanding aspect of the role in “Vijay 69” is the requirement for Kher to swim, a skill he had not previously mastered. “I didn’t know how to swim,” Kher admits candidly. “But this film called for my character to do so. I could have asked for a body double, but the film is fundamentally about courage. There was no way I could showcase the essence of the film without embodying that same courage myself.”
With Akshay Roy directing this ambitious project, Kher finds himself more motivated than ever to tackle similar roles that challenge both his craft and physical capabilities. “I’d love to do a film like ‘Vijay 69’ every two years,” he says with a sense of ambition that is evident in his voice.
. “When you have done as much work as I have, you need to find ways to keep the job difficult and interesting.”
The idea of portraying aged characters with vigor and complexity is not new to Kher, whose career spans nearly four decades—an era marked by a vast and varied body of work. Yet, the actor expresses concern over the industry’s reluctance to regularly feature stories centered around elderly protagonists. “Audiences are conditioned to think success is reserved for the young,” he reflects. “However, ‘Vijay 69’ defies that notion. It is a success story in its own right.”
Kher’s considerable experience in the industry offers him a nuanced understanding of acting—a knowledge that starkly contrasts with popular perceptions. “Early on, I realized there is a disparity between acting skill and the popularity of an actor,” Kher recalls. In his discussions with filmmaker Subhash Ghai about his role as Doctor Dang in “Karma” [1986], he noted that actors like Dilip Kumar or Amitabh Bachchan would be hailed as heroes in similar roles. However, for Kher, it became a lesson in how acting expertise is appreciated differently. “In our industry, often those who perform poorly are hailed as good actors, while those who act well are relegated to ‘character actors.'”
Anupam Kher’s venture into “Vijay 69” is a bold celebration of talent, perseverance, and the refusal to be defined by age or preconceived roles. As the film gears up to challenge societal conceptions and portray an unabashedly determined protagonist, Kher’s performance is set to inspire not just the film’s audience but also actors looking to break new ground in their careers. Through Kher’s eyes, “Vijay 69” is not merely a film; it is a narrative of fighting spirit and persevering against odds—a theme he encourages, and one that aligns perfectly with his personal ethos as an artist and an individual.
