‘It is important to be restless’
I loved the Questionnaire concept & its origin. Also, Mr. Kher’s response is commendable..So, the blog. My only contribution is just highlighting what i liked most. Read, what i want to say is ‘It says it all’. He is Class apart & superb actor- Be it Wednesday’s Police Commissioner or Father in Wake up Sid.
(Courtesy: Hindu’s ‘ The Proust Questionnaire,which is a fortnightly feature which derives its name from the French writer Marcel Proust, whose personality-revealing responses to these questions went on to popularize this form of celebrity confession.)
From his breakthrough in Mahesh Bhatt’s “Saaransh”, Anupam Kher has played a great number of tragic figures, comic roles and villains. He was chairman of the Censor Board and Chairman of the National School of Drama. He has acted in a number of international productions such as “Bend It Like Beckham”, “Bride and Prejudice” and “Lust, Caution”. His latest release is the Malayalam film “Pranayam”.
What is your idea of happiness? The definition of happiness changes with age. At this stage the idea is to make people happy. I am a teacher [at his acting school, Actor Prepares]. A good class makes me happy. I have made a decision to keep myself happy. A child’s smile makes one happy. What is your greatest fear? I produced a film on Alzheimer’s – Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara. I fear losing memory, dementia. Which historical figure do you most identify with? I am very influenced by Gandhi’s teachings. He is my idol. If I can capture even one per cent of what he stood for, I would feel satisfied. Nobody can say ‘my life is my message’ except for Gandhi. What is the trait you deplore most in yourself? I don’t have any major issues. I like myself and that’s not based on my success. Deplore is too strong a word to live with. Which living person do you most admire? I admire people’s acts now. I admire courageous people, people triumphing against adversities. In the present political scenario there are not many people whom one can admire. These days, common people are more admirable than any living legend. What is your greatest extravagance? I am by nature a middle-class man. At every stage I have a sense of wonder, so when you have this you are technically very careful about extravagance. When you have seen a certain kind of lifestyle you stick to it. Who is your favorite painter? van Gogh. I like the book on his life and times. It is one of my favorite inspirational books. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? I didn’t get this one. A virtue is a virtue. On what occasion do you lie? If I have to save somebody’s skin, or not hurt somebody. As I am growing up I am reducing the need to lie. It is also a sign of learning life. We lie when we are not comfortable with ourselves. What do you dislike most about your appearance? Nothing. I am comfortable with my appearance. For me personally it is being comfortable with who you are. Which living person do you most despise? I don’t have such feelings. Nobody is that important to evoke such emotions in me. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Optimism. ‘Jeena kya jeevan se haar ke‘ – there’s no point in living after losing to life. (Unable to appreciate it…may be i do not have the insight) What is your greatest regret? I don’t regret things. I just carry on. I don’t look back much in terms of negativity. There is so much to do than waste energy in terms of regrets.(I need to learn this) What or who is the greatest love of your life? I am very passionate about working, about doing things. It is only by the mid-forties that you discover yourself and realise there is so much to do. Everything excites me, including an interview. It is important in an interview to convey who you are and not necessarily give the right answers.(Bang, Bulls eye !!) When and where were you happiest? I think the same answer as the first one applies. What is your present state of mind? Happy and restless, both. It is important to be restless, optimistically. How would you like to die? I don’t think of all those things, and not because of fear of death. This is an unnecessary thought. What is your favorite journey? Life. There is nothing more exciting, entertaining, and offering greater learning than going through the ups and downs in this journey of life. What is your favorite motto? If you try, you risk failure; if you don’t you ensure it. Book: Nothing, reading Newspaper. Blog itself is from Hindu’s MetroPlus. Music: Serene & Tranquil. Mood: Agitated, Irritated. Why? Moreover frustrated…. Events: infact Series of them(not in order), Lost Office ID, forgot spects somewhere,Phone discharges @ critical moment, internet was not working. Long laundry list of cribs..just ignore:D
