Our Bureau
Mumbai
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has received a heartfelt appreciation letter from filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who praised his 42-year journey in Indian cinema, from his debut film Saaransh to his latest association with Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1. Deeply moved by the filmmaker’s words, Kher described himself as the “happiest man on earth” and called the letter a special recognition of his decades-long career.
Kher shared Bhatt’s message on social media, along with an emotional note expressing gratitude towards the filmmaker, who gave him his first opportunity in cinema. In his letter, Bhatt drew a comparison between Kher’s portrayal of B.V. Pradhan, a 65-year-old retired teacher in the 1984 film Saaransh, and his voice performance as Jatayu in Ramayana.
Recalling their association, Bhatt wrote, “From B.V. Pradhan in Saaransh to Jatayu in Ramayana – what a journey. The rise and the rise and the rise of you.” He also appreciated the actor’s confidence and personal growth, recalling his meeting with Kher in Sweden. Bhatt said the experience appeared to have brought a noticeable change in the actor’s personality and the way he interacted with people.
The filmmaker also revisited a memorable scene from Saaransh, in which Kher’s character watches an elderly woman playing with children after coming to terms with the loss of his son. Describing it as the actor’s “Buddha moment”, Bhatt said that the emotions of that scene had remained with Kher over the years.
Bhatt further recalled their first meeting at his Pali Hill residence, when Kher was 28 and he was 34. He added that the actor’s journey could inspire aspiring artistes from small towns to pursue their dreams.
Responding to the letter, Kher called Bhatt his mentor, friend and teacher, thanking him for his continued belief and encouragement.