Kher overjoyed with Golden Lion for Lee film

Mumbai, Sep 16 (IANS) Actor Anupam Kher, who was the only Indian actor in Ang Lee's 'Lust, Caution', is over the moon with the movie receiving the prestigious Golden Lion award for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival.

'When I heard the news I immediately rang up Ang Lee who had moved from Venice to the Toronto Film Festival. I spoke to Ang's brother and told him to congratulate the director. But look at the man's grace! He called me back and said, 'Mr Kher, the Golden Lion is as much yours as mine'.

'Though I've a small role in 'Lust, Caution', I feel very privileged to be part of such a prestigious film,' Kher told IANS.

The acclaimed actor is currently shooting in rural Britain for Karan Razdan's comedy 'Mr Bhatti On Chutti'.

Kher says he has never felt better. 'In Toronto our own Rituparno Ghosh is making waves with 'The Last Lear'. In Venice it was Ang Lee. I've never been prouder to be an Indian actor. And I've never felt more calm about my work.

The actor who excels in both comedies and serious roles is all game to experiment with a new crop of directors.

'I'm working with some of the most talented your directors of our country. I just signed 'Allah Ke Bande' with a group of youngsters to be directed by a young man called Farouque Kabeer. When he came to me with his script he was cheeky and raring to go... I like that attitude.'