Kangana Ranaut is currently gearing up for the release of her next film, Tejas. While the film has been generating a generous buzz, it would be safe to say that her upcoming directorial Emergency also remains a highly-anticipated project. It revolves around the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Emergency she imposed in the country in 1975. Ranaut not just dons the hat of a director in it but also features in the role of the late politician. The first look poster of Ranaut as Gandhi grabbed the attention of many and led to many debates on social media.
Emergency boasts of a stellar cast including Anupam Kher, who plays Jayaprakash Narayan, a political theorist and leader, who was also the opponent of Gandhi. While Kher and Ranaut have worked together on films like Game (2011) and Shakalaka Boom Boom (2007), this is the first time that the veteran actor has been directed by Ranaut.
In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha a while back, Kher lauded her directorial instincts and shared that he’s elated to have received the opportunity of working with her again after so many years. “Kangana is fantastic as an actress and a director too. I’ve great respect for her. We keep giving examples of women empowerment. I think that in an industry that’s usually dominated by men, she’s a great example of courage. She knows her job well,” he told us.
Sharing an anecdote from the sets of Emergency, Kher revealed, “I think she’s one of the finest directors. She also plays Indira Gandhi in the film. I remember her whispering in my ear, ‘Anupam ji, I think that I know everything once I reach a set.’ Every time she comes up with a new idea, it really fascinates me. I’m a great admirer of Kangana, both the person and creative artist that she is.”
The announcement of Emergency along with the cast reveal met with mixed reactions from netizens. While Kher received praises for playing meaty parts and headlining films even in his sixties, many alleged that he associates himself with agenda-driven narratives like The Kashmir Files, The Vaccine War and Emergency.
Reacting to the same, Kher stated, “I don’t care. If you’ve people believing in you, that’s enough. I don’t want the whole world to believe in me. This game about wanting to be popular with the world manipulates you. All you need is fifteen people to believe in you. They can be your close friends or your family. Wanting to please the whole world can destroy a person.”
The Trial By Fire and The Freelancer actor further addressed the conversations about his political affiliations. “I don’t lie to myself. I’m a performer. If my performance is believable and people like it, then that’s great. I don’t want to juggle multiple things. I’ve learnt to be quiet now but when I want to speak, I want to speak,” he added.
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