Was he scared going back to his home town that is suffering
from militancy?
"Yes, I was scared before going to Kashmir to shoot. But
being a celebrity I got adequate security and protection. We
shot under heavy police and army protection. I felt better,"
said Anupam, 55.
Asked whether it was only the Kashmir factor that convinced
him to take up the role, he said: "Apart from the fact
the film is on Kashmir and I got a chance to go back to the
place, the film also had a good story, a good star cast and
a good director. As an actor it is important to do films you
relate to."
Up next is also "Hitler", where he plays the title
role. It's a first for the versatile actor, who has played every
kind of role in his two-decade career, but gets his first historical
character only now with debutant director Rakesh Ranjan's film.
"I'm very happy about my role as Hitler in the film, which
is called 'Hitler'. We will start shooting in August. I'm quite
excited because for the first time I will be playing a historical
character on the big screen."
This is, of course, not the first time Anupam will be seen
in a role with grey shades.
After starting his career with critically acclaimed film "Saransh",
he became a household name with the evil Dr. Dang in "Karma"
(1986), the wicked uncle Tribhuvan in "ChaalBaaz"
(1989), the greedy father Shyamlal in "Tezaab" (1988),
the miser Hazari Prasad in "Dil" (1990), the corrupt
businessman in "Rang De Basanti"... The list is long.
In a career spanning an enviable range of characters, nuanced
and also in-your-face, Anupam also made his mark as the loyal
friend in "Lamhe" (1991) and the funny guy in "Shola
Aur Shabnam" (1992).
In recent times, he has been appreciated in critically acclaimed
films like "Khosla Ka Ghosla", "Maine Gandhi
Ko Nahin Mara" and "Morning Walk".
Apart from "Hitler" and "Lamhaa", the actor
is looking forward to Pankaj Kapoor's directorial debut "Mausam"
that has Shahid Kapoor in the male lead.
"I will start shooting for Pankaj Kapoor's 'Mausam' in
Scotland after 10 days. I'm quite excited about my role in the
film," he said, without giving out details about his role.
Anupam also keeps busy with his acting academy, Actor Prepares,
and theatre.