Kher to direct Happy and Gay

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sheetal

@sheetald

Rocker

Posted: 19 years ago

Mentor and prodigies:
Anupam Kher with students

After producing a serious drama, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, Anupam Kher's next venture as a producer-director will be a film titled Happy and Gay.

Confirming this, Kher said, "Yes, that is the name of my next project. But it is too early to talk about it."

When probed about the cast he said, "I am still in the process of getting actors together, but I can tell you that it will be a romantic comedy. The script for the film is ready."

International appeal

Another high point for Kher in 2005 has been the successful, one-year completion of his acting school — Actor Prepares. "I have had an overwhelming response for my academy, not just from the country, but from abroad as well. I have enrolled students from Italy, USA, Finland, Australia and many other countries."

Terming the project a "fulfilling endeavour" Kher said, "Actor Prepares is not just an acting school. It teaches students to have the right attitude and gives them the confidence to brace every challenge they may face in life. We have had special lectures from stalwarts like Shabana Azmi and Mahesh Bhatt and I plan to expand this list in the coming year."

Time management

But does Kher get time out from his shooting to devote to the school? "I personally take acting classes with my kids. I can say that I am with them 60 per cent of the time." It is learnt that Vinod Mehra's daughter and N Chandra's son have also registered themselves as students in Actor Prepares.

Kher adds that his students are well equipped to excel on any platform. "My first batch of students has gone beyond my expectations. As actors, they have a lot to learn as they progress in life, but the academy has guaranteed them the platform they deserve."

On the personal front, the actor is content with 2005. "I was thrilled to receive the best actor award for Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Maara, at the Karachi Film Festival." The coming year will see him in Khosla Ka Ghosla, Rajshri's Vivaah and in an offbeat role, as a dwarf, in Jaaneman.