Anupam Kher: I'm targeted for speaking my mind on social media but that doesn't matter to me

He made film buffs and critics sit up and take notice of him when at the age of 28, he played a distraught, retired man who loses his son in Saaransh. Over the last 32 years, Anupam Kher has portrayed the sometimes whimsical, at times funny, at times intense, but mostly convincing, and very often a doting dad on celluloid. Now, he will be seen as Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's father, Pan Singh, in Neeraj Pandey's 'MS Dhoni ' The Untold Story'.In an exclusive interview, the veteran actor opens up about the qualities that a father should inculcate in his children, his Hollywood films, why he never hesitates to take a stand, social media controversies and more. Excerpts'
You have worked with Neeraj Pandey in quite a few films. Was your past association with him the only reason that prompted you to do this biopic?
Yes, Neeraj is a big reason. Also, though I have played a father on screen umpteen times, this time the challenge was to essay the role of an ordinary, simple man.
Not much is known about Pan Singh. So, it was interesting for me to enact him on screen. At an emotional level, it was important for me that he likes my portrayal in the film. When I met him and told him that I would be playing his character, he said, 'Agar aap kar rahe ho, toh mujhe koi tension nahin hai.' While we all refer to Mahendra as MS Dhoni, it was nice to hear his dad call him 'Mahiya'. He said, 'Haan Mahiya ka phone aaya tha.' All these experiences were enriching.
As a father, what are the important qualities that one needs to inculcate in their children?
There is nothing like honesty and hard work. Truth alone triumphs, so one must understand that failure is a temporary phase and optimism is the only way to live your life.
Right now, sports films are the flavour of Bollywood. Your views?
Dhoni's biopic is not just a sports film. It is the story of his life, his journey and an inspirational film. Many sports films are being made but I can't recall any being my favourite film, except for 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'.
You have acted in many Hollywood movies and have played a doctor in quite a few of them. How has the experience been?
It is amazing to work in Hollywood. Indian actors are doing great there. In my latest film, 'The Headhunter's Calling', I am playing an oncologist. I played a psychiatrist in 'Silver Linings Playbook'. But characters are different so I can't really say that I am doing the same thing. I have essayed many other characters in Hollywood movies. It's like saying I am portraying the role of a father in many Hindi films (smiles). It was a proud moment when Mark Williams, the director of 'The Headhunter's Calling', said that I was one of the finest actors of India.
We see a sudden outburst from you on many issues which create a frenzy on social media. Do you think you face a lot of heat because you speak your mind?
I'm targeted on social media for speaking my mind, but it doesn't matter to me. As long as I feel comfortable and sure of what I am doing, it is alright. It is necessary for people to speak up. If I am a teacher and run an acting school, I will teach my students to speak up.
Kader Khan felt that you did not deserve the Padma Bhushan this year. And the controversy continued for a long time on social media. What do you have to say?
I respect Kader Khan as an artiste but in our country he does not decide who will get the National Award. The Indian government decides.
You have been extremely vocal about your admiration for PM Narendra Modi. Does this help you in your political beliefs?
Narendra Modi is a great leader. What's wrong if I like him? Some people may not like him and have their own views. This is my nationalistic view, not a political one.
Do you feel it is right to make celebs accountable for the brands that they endorse? There were some issues with a real estate company of which you were the brand ambassador'
It is difficult to be cautious when you choose to endorse a brand. How can you know what will happen after 10 years? We are going by the face value. If something uncalled for happens, it is sad. But actors are targeted for anything these days.
Listen to 'Ms-Dhoni-The Untold Story' songs on Gaana.com