Now I understand the games people play: Anupam Kher

New Delhi, July 18 (IANS) Hinting at an unfair awards system in the Indian film industry, seasoned actor Anupam Kher says he now understands the "games" people play.

"Now I don't feel the absence of awards in my life as much as I used to feel earlier because I have reached a stage where I understand the games people play," Anupam told IANS in an interview.

"In the last five years I have not even been nominated once for the Filmfare award. But I make my presence felt by my absence. I am not working with big banners today.

"Five years earlier it used to trouble me a lot, but today it doesn't affect me that much. I am an eternal optimist and have realised that no one will decide about my happiness," said the actor who was in the capital to conduct a talk-cum workshop.

Explaining how he juggles life as a silver-screen actor, a theatre artiste and a teacher - he is the founder of the acting school, "Actors Prepare" - he said, "A busy man takes out time for everything! It all depends on the intention. If you want to take out time then you will."

However, he loves the role of a teacher the most. "I love teaching. Because while teaching you learn the most as your knowledge gets underlined."

Besides wowing the audiences with his critically acclaimed performances in films like "Saaransh", "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara" and "Khosla Ka Ghosla", Anupam is all set to come up with motivational course centres across the country to motivate people.

These motivational classes called "The Change Within" are meant for students, housewives and professionals alike. During these classes, the actor will talk about his personal experiences.

And what drives Anupam is - life!

"It is fantastic to be alive. My mantra of life is to live life as it comes, as straight as possible. I am honest and have chosen to be myself."

He has done film roles as different as chalk and cheese, but admits that comedy is the toughest of them all.

"I have enacted roles of all genres but comedy is the most difficult. It is easy to portray sadness through silence or seriousness but to make people laugh an actor's physical gestures play a vital role."

His forthcoming projects include Anant Mahadevan's "Victoria No 203", Neeraj Pandey's "Wednesday", Rumi Jaffery's "God Tussi Great Ho" and Pradeep Sarkar's "Laaga Chunari Mein Daag". He is also working on the script of his next yet to be named directorial venture.

Now his son Sikander is all set to make his debut in Sanjay Gupta's "Woodstock Villa", and Anupam is upbeat about the performance.

"I hope Sikander does a good job. I advise him and in fact all aspiring actors that there is no alternative to honesty and hard work. I have been in the industry for the past 23 years because I take my work seriously and do hard work."

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