Kher goes West

Ronjita Kulkarni

He debuted as a broken hearted father who lost his only son in Saraansh (1984). His latest role was that of a loving and jovial father in Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche (2002).

Anupam Kher has over 287 films to his credit. He also produced Bariwali (a Bengali film), directed by the eminent Rituparno Ghosh. The film starred Kher's wife Kiron, who won rave reviews and international awards.

The actor-producer is testing new waters with his directorial debut Om Jai Jagdish, and his English film debut Bend It Like Beckham, directed by Gurinder Chadha.

Om Jai Jagdish, produced by Vashu Bhagnani, is about three brothers (Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Abhishek Bachchan), and their different points of view. "The film is about a modern Indian family based in contemporary India," says Kher. The film also stars Mahima Chaudhry, Urmila Matondkar and Tara Sharma. It is slated for release on June 28.

Kher is not acting in his directorial debut: "I'm not yet confident about directing as well as acting yet. Maybe I'll do both in time."

Now, Kher is hoping to implement some of his experiences of shooting abroad. "The shooting for Bend It Like Beckham was so organised and professional. Their contract is foolproof. They see to it that the film is completed and released. Besides, they are also punctual. If shooting has to start at 6 am, the cast and crew are present at six sharp.

"Of course, to instill all these qualities in Indian cinema will take a lot of time. But I'm sure it will happen some day," he adds.

The film's producer Deepak Nair sent the script to Kher through a common friend. Kher found it very fascinating and agreed immediately. "Besides, I've seen Chadha's directorial debut, Bhaji On The Beach and I really liked it," says Kher.

He adds, "My role in the film is not a dramatic one. I play an ordinary man working in the customs at Heathrow Airport, London."

Kher plays Mohan Singh Bamra, a Sikh from Nairobi who moves to London to pursue his dreams of making it big as a cricket player. But racism raises its ugly head, and he retreats to a typical middle-class existence with his wife (played by Shaheen Khan), and two daughters (Parminder Nagra and Archie Punjabi).

Bamra's teenage daughter (Parminder Nagra) secretly nurtures ambitions of being a football player. Bamra, who sees himself in his daughter, discourages her as he doesn't want her to get hurt. Later, he relents and helps her out. Kher has won praise for his performance.

This is Chadha's third film, the first two being Bhaji On The Beach and What's Cooking.

Bend It Like Beckham shot to the number one spot on the UK film charts. The film was shown on 384 screens and collected box office receipts of £2 million in its opening weekend.

The film will release in India on June 7.