Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher stirred emotions on Friday as he reflected on the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. But what caught everyone's attention was his confession about almost rejecting the role of Singh in the 2019 political biopic, The Accidental Prime Minister. The seasoned actor, famous for his transformative roles, shared that his initial hesitation stemmed from fears that the film¡¯s narrative might be misinterpreted as mockery of the dignified leader.
¡°Playing Dr. Manmohan Singh wasn¡¯t just another acting gig; it was like stepping into the shoes of a man whose quiet brilliance spoke louder than words,¡± Kher reportedly shared in a heartfelt Instagram post. He admitted he was initially reluctant, wary of the film¡¯s potential backlash due to its controversial portrayal of political dynamics.
After diving into research for the role, Kher found himself drawn to Singh¡¯s inherently kind nature and honest persona. He described the late leader as a great economist, humble human being, and a man of unmatched integrity, though perhaps not a sharp political strategist. This newfound admiration drove Kher to accept the challenge of portraying Singh on screen, a decision he now cherishes deeply.
The actor shared anecdotes of his limited but impactful real-life interactions with Singh. According to Kher, the former Prime Minister¡¯s humility and gracious acknowledgment of his performance left a lasting impression. Singh, often referred to as ¡°the man in the blue turban,¡± earned respect not just for his economic reforms but for his demeanor that resonated with calm authority amidst political storms.
Kher recalled how his year-long preparation for the role felt like spending time with the leader himself. His dedication to capturing Singh¡¯s essence went beyond acting¡ªit was a tribute to a man who commanded respect with silence and delivered progress without theatrics.
Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away at 92, leaving behind a legacy of economic reforms, resilience, and grace. Alongside Kher, Bollywood icons such as Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh, Madhuri Dixit, and Chiranjeevi joined the nation in mourning the loss of one of India¡¯s most respected leaders.
In his final remarks, Kher added that he would forever miss ¡°the man in the blue turban,¡± a leader who redefined politics with kindness. For Kher, playing Singh was more than a role¡ªit was an ode to a legacy that continues to inspire.