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Theatre is actors' medium: Anupam Kher

Kher, 64, has been a part of more than 500 films and uncountable plays

Though cinema and theatre are branches of the same tree, there is one aspect that sets them apart – execution. Cinema, on one hand, is guided and controlled by the directors/editors, whereas theatre is said to be actors' medium.

After giving more than three decades of his life to cinema and theatre world, Veteran actor Anupam Kher, today, feels more inclined towards the latter. His love for the theatre is unparalleled, and he believes that stage is where his soul resides. "The magic of theatre is that you don't need real settings. You have to be productive with the limited resources that are available. Once the actors come on stage (after all the rehearsals and instructions), it is their domain. Everything is left to acting, and it's on the performers to take the story forward. That's why I personally feel that stage is actors' medium," states Anupam.

"However, in movies, it is the other way around. After the shot is taken, actors have no idea how the scenes will be edited, or how the film will be shaped for the final release. All they can do is give their best and leave the rest on directors and editors," he adds.

The actor is at that stage of his career, where he does theatre and films out of choice and not compulsion. "I have done all kinds of films and plays – historical, experimental. But today, I want to play characters which people can relate to. I cannot be a part of something where the audience just sits back, and not feel connected to what's happening on stage."

"I have always made sure that my plays have some universal emotions like happiness, disgust, fear, anger, surprise, and sadness. When the viewers experience those emotions and relate to them, they become a part of that story."

Till date, Kher has been a part of more than 500 films and uncountable plays, but the energy, seriousness towards his character, and passion for acting hasn't changed at all.

Even today, he rehearses before every performance. "Of course I rehearse. In fact, I am petrified before every play of mine," he mentions. "I don't talk to anybody, I don't eat anything. Even now, while I am talking with you, somewhere in my mind the thought of next performance is scaring me. No matter how many shows I have done, the feeling remains the same. Ask anybody from the unit, they know that 'Mr. Kher will be quite before his appearance on the stage. He won't eat, and might have breakdowns anytime'," he adds.

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