With more than four decades of experience in Indian cinema, veteran actor Anupam Kher has worked alongside nearly every prominent figure in the industry. In an extensive interview with Faridoon Shahryar, Kher shared candid perspectives on fellow actors Govinda and Akshaye Khanna. He addressed the ongoing public curiosity surrounding Govinda's domestic life while also offering his take on Akshaye Khanna's noticeable absence from mainstream media events and public appearances. Throughout the discussion, Kher emphasized that an artist's enduring legacy must always be judged by their body of work on the screen rather than external controversies or personal choices.
Praising Govinda's Intuitive Comic Timing and Screen Presence
Reflecting on their collaborative history, Kher described Govinda as one of his absolute favourite co-actors. The two have shared screen space in approximately 10 to 12 films, giving Kher a front-row seat to Govinda's natural flair for acting, his rhythm as a dancer, and above all, his spontaneous gift for improvisation. According to Kher, Govinda belongs to an elite tier of performers possessing the rare ability to execute virtually anything in front of the camera with natural ease, a feat very few contemporaries could replicate.
While delivering high praise for his professional craft, Kher noted that an artist's personal habits, lifestyle, and private circumstances should never be allowed to eclipse their total talent and professional achievements. For any performer, the creative output and dedication to cinema must remain the foremost measure of their identity.
Steering Clear of Judgment Amid Heightened Public Scrutiny
Govinda's private affairs have drawn consistent public attention in recent times, fueled by social media buzz regarding his marriage to Sunita and alleged connections with actress Komal Rani. The chatter reignited when Govinda was seen attending Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja pandal alongside Komal Rani. When asked about these developments, Kher firmly refused to pass judgment, explaining that he is in no position to evaluate anyone else's private life because an individual always understands their own reality and domestic challenges better than any outsider ever could.
Kher shared that he had reached out to Govinda over the telephone during these trying times. Although Govinda mentioned he would talk at a later time, Kher explained his sole motivation for placing the call was to offer reassurance and remind him that adverse phases in life are merely temporary and bound to pass.
Perspective Gained Across a 41-Year Career
Drawing parallels from his own 41-year journey in the film industry, Kher remarked that everyone encounters cyclical high and low phases. With the passage of time, audiences tend to forget fleeting controversies and choose instead to celebrate an actor's finest cinematic contributions. Kher observed that Govinda has inevitably felt the strain of the circumstances surrounding him, but he remains convinced that the actor has not surrendered.
Expressing deep faith in Govinda's enduring potential, Kher noted that the actor still possesses the skill to deliver exceptional work if presented with the right material. He voiced hope and prayers for Govinda to engineer a robust career resurgence, returning to film sets and producing more work than before.
Interpreting Akshaye Khanna's Media Absence as Calculated Marketing
Shifting focus to Akshaye Khanna, with whom he has collaborated on two projects, Kher lauded him as a remarkably gifted actor. Khanna has re-established a commanding presence among filmgoers in recent years through impactful performances in titles such as 'Chhaava' and 'Dhurandhar'. When asked why Khanna habitually shuns the paparazzi, press tours, and industry limelight, Kher suggested that this deliberate distance functions as a distinctive promotional strategy.
Kher explained that each performer navigates publicity differently. Maintaining a reclusive persona and avoiding constant media exposure can serve as a calculated method to cultivate intrigue, allowing the actor's work to carry the entire weight of public engagement without unnecessary overexposure.
A Confident Encounter Before Dhurandhar and Evaluating Merit
Recalling an encounter with Khanna ahead of the release of 'Dhurandhar', Kher shared that the two actors crossed paths on a flight. During their conversation, Khanna expressed supreme confidence in his performance and urged Kher to watch the film, stating plainly that he had executed his role exceptionally well. After viewing the film, Kher felt Khanna's self-assurance was entirely justified, confirming that the performance was indeed outstanding.
Concluding his remarks, Kher reiterated that both Govinda and Akshaye Khanna are exceptional artists whose worth ought to be determined solely by their artistic output. He maintained that an actor's private life and media strategies should remain distinct from the appreciation of their creative craft.
