Subhash K Jha (DNA; January 29, 2016)

“With such a prestigious recognition from the Government, comes a great responsibility,” says actor-author-activist Anupam Kher who has been awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government.

Kher, who until recently accepted all sorts of film roles including slapstick comedies has lately been saying no to lowbrow entertainment. Lately he turned down Kya Kool Hain Hum 3 after being part of the first two films in the series.

Says Anupam, “Yes, I refused Kya Kool Hain Hum 3. But it’s not because I’ve stopped enjoying low-brow comedies or other genres of mass entertainment. I am comfortable doing massy cinema but the audiences are not. Sometimes it is more important to live up to people’s expectation along with your own.”

The actor says he feels the change within himself, “My work and various activities give me my identity. 90 per cent of what one does, is monotony. It’s that other 10 per cent which gives meaning to one’s existence. My father, a clerk in the forestry department, spent 35 years of his life doing the same work every day, with the same enthusiasm every day until he retired. I imbibed the sense of discipline and dedication towards my work from my father. Therefore I dedicate my Padma Bhushan to my father.”

Without naming Karan Johar, Anupam Kher criticises the filmmaker for his recent comments on intolerance and a lack of freedom of expression in India. “For people who move around in high-end cars with bouncers and security guards, to even mention intolerance is ridiculous! To say freedom of expression in our country is the biggest joke of all, as those complaining are the ones who have never known a day’s check on their freedom.”

Anupam was missing in director David O’Russell’s Joy which brought together the entire core cast of Russell’s highly-acclaimed Silver Linings Playbook, except Anupam. Says Anupam, “I did ask David why I was not part of Joy. He said he didn’t want to waste me. I agree with him. I don’t want to be wasted in anything I do.”