Actor Anupam Kher says that while he has participated in protests in an individual capacity, he believes artists shouldn’t act as activists. The negative impact of demonstrations and rallies is the subject of his next film ‘Kaagaz 2’. Directed by VK Prakash, the film highlights the hardships of an ordinary individual due to protests and rallies.
“Actors and entertainers are not supposed to be crusaders. In an individual capacity, I’ve raised my voice about whatever has bothered me and faced the consequences. I became unpopular with so many people but it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, I’ve to sleep peacefully with my thoughts,” Kher said in a news agency interview.
The actor, who took part in the India Against Corruption movement in 2011, said the ideal way to resolve issues is through “negotiations”. “We are an independent country, thanks to the ‘aandolan’ that (Mahatma) Gandhi ji did. We are an outcome of the Quit India movement, a non-cooperation movement, but the people of India were together, it was not something that is just helping you (a few people) and not others.”
Kher, 62, is thrilled about ‘Kaagaz 2’, which follows actor Satish Kaushik’s quest for justice after the tragic death of his daughter, and how he seeks a ban on rallies and protests. In the movie, Kher plays the role of a lawyer, who helps Kaushik. “It is a very topical film, it is a very complex film, it has that Rashomon impact, that everyone has their own point of view,” he said.
The veteran actor claims ‘Kaagaz 2’ was the “passion” project of Kaushik, who passed away last year in March at the age of 66 following a heart attack. It will be released in theatres on March 1. Kaushik directed the 2021 critically-acclaimed movie, ‘Kaagaz’, which was headlined by Pankaj Tripathi.
