Anupam Kher calls IFFI a homecoming, recalls ‘Saaransh’ days
Veteran actor Anupam Kher returned to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) this year with a soft smile, a few old memories, and a clear sense that the festival feels like home. At the 56th edition of IFFI in Goa, Kher spoke candidly about his long journey from a struggling newcomer to a seasoned artist whose work is again being celebrated on festival screens. His remarks—about Saaransh, about meeting international filmmakers, and about having multiple films at IFFI—remind us why his career matters to Indian cinema.
A homecoming after four decades: why IFFI matters to Anupam Kher
When Anupam Kher calls IFFI a “homecoming,” he’s not using the word lightly. His debut breakthrough, Saaransh (1984), was selected for festival lineups and became a defining moment for the actor. He has returned to the festival circuit many times since, but this year is especially notable: several of his recent films have been chosen for screenings, and he’s attending panels and workshops—activities that connect him back to those formative festival days.
From nervous debut to festival staple
Kher’s recollections of Saaransh are both humble and revealing. He’s shared before how the path to that role wasn’t smooth—there were struggles, emotional moments and even a temporary replacement scare. Yet Saaransh became a turning point, helping him build credibility and visibility that carried him through a prolific four-decade career. Revisiting that early struggle at IFFI underlines how festivals can change lives.
Three films, renewed pride: Anupam Kher at IFFI 2025
This edition of IFFI has been particularly celebratory for Anupam Kher. Reports confirm that three films associated with him are set for screenings, including Tanvi The Great (in the Indian Panorama section), The Bengal Files, and a Canadian film titled Calorie where he plays a role. The selection of multiple projects at a single festival is an uncommon career milestone and a point of pride for any actor—especially one who started his journey decades ago.
What these screenings signify
Film festivals like IFFI are platforms for conversation—between filmmakers, critics, and audiences. For Anupam Kher, having three films screened is evidence of both continued relevance and range. It also shows the festival’s role in spotlighting Indian cinema across genres and collaborations (including international projects). For fans and newcomers alike, it’s an invitation to see why Kher remains in demand.
Memories of the giants: Fellini, Kurosawa and learning on the job
One of the more poignant parts of Kher’s IFFI remarks was about the people he met along the way. He’s spoken about encountering legendary filmmakers—names like Federico Fellini and Akira Kurosawa—during festival interactions. Those meetings, he says, shaped his perspective on craft, discipline, and storytelling. The memory of learning from giants adds a personal layer to his public persona: Kher isn’t just an actor who became famous; he’s a student of cinema who continues to learn.
What fans should expect from Anupam Kher at IFFI
If you’re at IFFI this year and interested in catching Anupam Kher’s work or words, expect a mix of screenings, talks, and workshops. Media reports indicate he will not only attend film screenings but also interact with younger filmmakers and festival audiences—sharing lessons from a career spanning more than four decades and hundreds of films. These interactions often become mini-masterclasses: candid, practical, and full of industry anecdotes.
A teacher and a player: Kher’s evolving role
Over time, Anupam Kher has moved from being primarily a screen actor to also being a mentor and educator—conducting workshops and speaking about craft. At IFFI, this dual role is visible: he’s both the familiar face in films and the elder statesman offering guidance. That balance is part of his appeal; younger artists benefit from his experience, while audiences continue to enjoy his evolving screen choices.
Saaransh then, projects now: tracing continuity and change
Looking back at Saaransh and forward to his current slate, one can see both continuity and change in Anupam Kher’s choices. The emotional honesty that made Saaransh resonate is still present in his performances, even as the kinds of roles and platforms have expanded. Working on projects like Tanvi The Great or participating in international films shows a willingness to adapt while staying rooted in strong character work. That adaptability keeps him relevant in a fast-changing industry.
Why this matters to Indian cinema
Anupam Kher’s IFFI presence is more than celebrity optics. It’s a reminder that festivals are living archives of a national cinema—places where past, present and future converge. When a veteran actor like Kher celebrates festival screenings, recalls early struggles, and shares memories of global masters, it reinforces cinema’s continuity: lessons travel across generations, and new films gain context through history.
Takeaway: Anupam Kher’s homecoming is everyone’s gain
Anupam Kher calling IFFI a homecoming is a tidy phrase for a deeper truth: festivals can heal, celebrate, and reconnect careers to audiences. For fans, it’s a chance to revisit a classic era and discover new work. For the film community, Kher’s presence—three films in the lineup, candid recollections of Saaransh, and his interactions with peers—underscores the value of festivals as places for learning and celebration. If you follow Indian cinema, this IFFI edition is worth watching for those moments when an actor’s past and present meet on screen and stage.
