Kher and Bhatt’s 34-year-old pact

At 28, Anupam Kher played the defining role of his career in Mahesh Bhatt’s Saaransh. While Kher had played bit roles before the film, Bhatt gave him his first full-fledged role, and since then, Kher has credited the film-maker for giving him the break that he needed. However, the actor has been giving Bhatt more than simple credit. Apparently, there exists an unspoken understanding between the two, wherein a small amount from each of Kher’s projects will be presented to the film-maker as a token of his appreciation.

A source close to the actor reveals, “For the 34 years since Saaransh, every time Kher signed a film or did something important in his life, he always consulted Bhatt. In fact, he recently gave some amount in pounds to Bhatt, as he is shooting for his upcoming British show. Saaransh helped establish Kher’s acting career after the Shimla-bred actor graduated from Punjab University in Chandigarh and the National School of Drama in Delhi. He then taught dramatics in Lucknow, UP, until landing in Mumbai to begin his career . Kher has made a pact with Bhatt to present him with some money as gratitude.”

Talking about the pact, the actor had said in an interview, “Not only as an actor, but as somebody who comes from a small town, the country and the industry has given me an opportunity to showcase my work without having any godfather or film background. Saaransh changed my life. I was 28 (then). Thank you Mahesh Bhatt saab for your faith and Rajshri for the debut film.”

sneha.mahadevan@htlive.com