'They never give me awards!'

By Subhash K Jha

This has got to be the biggest international break for an Indian actor since Victor Banerjee in David Lean's A Passage To India.

Anupam Kher, last seen playing a dwarf in Shirish Kunder's Jaan-e-Mann has landed himself a chunky role in Chinese director Ang Lee's new film being shot in Shanghai right now.

One of Hollywood's most celebrated contemporary directors Ang Lee shot to fame with the esoteric Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon in 2000. He also did a highly acclaimed adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility was last in the news for his controversial Oscar-winning gay film Brokeback Mountain.

Anupam is arguably the first Indian actor since Victor Bannerjee and Shabana Azmi to have bagged such a prestigious international project.

Tightlipped by contract, the actor speaks cautiously about the project. "It's called, Lust, Caution. Ang Lee's casting director spoke to Shirish Kunder about my character. Shirish suggested my name.

I sent Ang my show reel. A few days ago, we finalized the contract. I'm silent about this project because I've had many projects stolen away from under my nose. I've become superstitious."

"Is it a pivotal role? Good question!" quips Anupam. "It is a substantial role. Even if Ang Lee had asked me to do a walk-on part I'd have happily done it. You don't ask certain filmmakers what they're offering you.

This is my first visit to China, To have simply the chance to observe Ang Lee on his home groundat work would be an honour. It's a fabulous script.

I'm the only Indian actor in the film. And I'm playing an Indian. I'm thankful to Shrish for recommending me. I think they asked Shrish because his wife Farah choreographed a Chinese film."

The first person Anupam called to share the good news was his mentor Mahesh Bhatt. "Bhatt Saab said it was an honour not just for me but the entire Infian film industry. At that moment I felt so proud. From Batt Saab's Saraansh to Ang Lee's Caution, Lust, it's been quite a journey from me.

Every year I'm ignored at the Indian awards. Last year my performance in Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara went unnoticed. This year I'm sure Khosla Ka Ghosla will be ignored. Every time I'm disappointed at home I get some big recognition abroad."

Anupam's parting shot, " The chances of an Indian actor working in a Hollywood film to be shot in China are very rare. It's going to kill a lot of people back home. But Shanghai and Ang Lee, here I come."

Victor Bannerjee's reaction: "I'm very very happy for Anupam…Also, insanely jealous."

Sudhir Mishra's Reaction: "A very long time ago when I was 20 I saw a young actor perform a bit part in a play based on the Mahabharat. I was stunned by his ability. That the same actor has now been cast by Ang Lee comes as no surprise to me. He's brilliant and deserves all that he gets."

http://www.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=13099