Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher patch up

Jun 1, 2008

Mumbai, June 2 (IANS) One of filmdom's most enduring friendships that went kaput has resumed again. After almost two years' cold war, former best buddies Anupam Kher and Anil Kapoor made up in full public view at the premiere of the former's son Sikandar's debut film "Woodstock Villa".

"It was very generous of Anil to come. I half expected him to. But then we hadn't been in touch for more than three years, for whatever reasons," Anupam told IANS.

Since his first big hit "Tezaab", Anil teamed up with Anupam in many hits like "Ram Lakhan", "Lamhe", "Beta", "Deewana Mastana" and "Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain". In fact, Anil also featured in Anupam's directorial debut "Om Jai Jagdish".

During this cold war, Anupam didn't attend the premiere of Anil's daughter Sonam's debut film "Saawariya" or for his prestigious home production "Gandhi My Father".

In fact, the bone of contention between the two was none other than the apostle of peace, Gandhiji.

As it happened, Anupam had announced his production "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara" with himself in the lead. When he heard overnight, without being informed by his friend, that Anil had launched "Gandhi My Father" with another actor in the title role, Anupam felt betrayed.

There ended the duo's seemingly unbreakable friendship.

Talking about his decision to invite Anil, Anupam says he did it on impulse.

"I was driving by Anil's office when I thought I should invite him. But I didn't have his number since I had changed my phone. So I said, 'What the heck, why not now?' I drove into his office, went up and invited him. Anil was startled but welcoming."

At the premiere Thursday the shutterbugs went amok capturing the two friends' reunion.

"It was a very touching moment for me. I had personally invited everyone. All the Bachchans came. Yash Chopra, who never stays up so late, stayed till the end of the film. And my mentor Mahesh Bhatt, who never attends a premiere, came especially for me. But Anil breaking the ice for my son's sake was the cherry on the cake," said Anupam emotionally.

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Woodstock Villa