Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
In 1984, the brilliant film-maker Mahesh Bhatt found a ‘miracle’ of an actor in Anupam Kher for his cult classic Saaransh, produced by Rajshri Films. Mahesh moulded a young, ambitious and angry actor into a 69 year old grieving father on screen and the rest is history. Anupam Kher never looked back since then and, through his sheer acting prowess, forever wrote his name on the chapters of Indian cinema.
Today, on the release date of Vijay 69, Mahesh Bhatt surprised his long time friend Anupam by presenting him with a special 40 year commemorative poster of Saaransh – a film that told the world that here was an actor who would become a legend one day.
Mahesh Bhatt also presented Anupam with a letter that read, _“Anupam Kher is a miracle—a stubborn flower forcing its way through the cracks in the concrete, right in the heart of this entertainment circus we call an industry … He’s made over 542 films, but the hunger in him is still alive, gnawing at his insides like it did when he first came to me. That fire—it hasn’t dimmed.“_
The film-maker added, _”40 years later, at 69, Anupam is still running—literally. His new role as a triathlon athlete in Vijay 69 couldn’t be more fitting. He’s our industry’s marathon man, pushing himself where others would have hung up their gloves, his journey looping back around to where he began, chasing another impossible dream.”_
Mahesh further wrote, _“Forty years later, I’m proud—proud that he’s never stopped fighting, that he’s never lost that restless spirit that made him who he is. So, here’s to Anupam, still running, still dreaming. He’s shown us all that life doesn’t have a full stop; you just keep running until the lights go out. And what better way to celebrate 40 years than with Vijay 69, a film that matches his relentless stride. Three cheers, Anupam—you’re my legacy.”_
Anupam posted the Saaransh commemorative poster and the letter written by Mahesh Bhatt on his social media with an emotional note : Check the post out here –
Anupam’s heartfelt note on Instagram reads as follows,
_Sometimes pictures don’t capture all the emotions…What you can see is how excited I’m to receive this from my guru, friend, philosopher & guide Mahesh Bhatt, who congratulated me on completing 40 years in the Indian film industry! I have been fortunate to have received a lot of love for my work over the years but today, I feel, I have received the ultimate prize._
_What you don’t see in this picture are the many drops of tears that fell when this unfolded. You don’t see my emotions, you don’t see how this gesture of love and kindness from Mahesh Bhatt totally overwhelmed me and brought back so many memories. I kept reading what he has written for me and I was speechless. I couldn’t speak a word and sat down holding his hand in gratitude._
_Mahesh Bhatt is a man who gave me my identity as an actor on screen. He guided me to be the human and the artiste that I grew into. He transformed me on every level. I’m forever indebted to him for making me believe in myself.._
_Thank you Mahesh Bhatt for making me feel like this on the release day of my most special film #Vijay69 You are the reason I’m here…_
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