Anupam Kher’s Inspiring Masterclass at IFFI 2024
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) took place in Panaji, Goa, and it was a remarkable event filled with creativity and inspiration. On November 23, 2024, one of the highlights of the festival was a masterclass conducted by the acclaimed Indian actor, Shri Anupam Kher. This session captivated students and delegates alike, as Kher shared his life experiences and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. His engaging storytelling and humor made the session not just informative but also deeply inspiring.
The Power of Failure
Shri Anupam Kher opened his masterclass with a powerful theme: “The Power of Failure.” He emphasized that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success. Kher shared his belief that he is a success story built on his failures. He recounted his early life in Shimla, where he grew up in a joint family of fourteen members living in a single room. Despite their financial struggles, Kher’s family found happiness in their togetherness. His grandfather’s words, “When people are too poor, the cheapest thing to them becomes happiness,” resonated deeply with him.
Kher’s journey into acting began in school, where he faced his first setback. He recalled his disappointment at not winning even a consolation prize in a school play. However, his father taught him a crucial lesson that day: “Failure is an event, never a person.” This lesson stayed with him throughout his life. Kher humorously shared his experience of making 27 mistakes in just two lines of dialogue during a performance of Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice.” These early failures shaped his resilience and determination to succeed in the competitive world of acting.
Overcoming Challenges
Anupam Kher’s journey to success was not without its challenges. After graduating from the National School of Drama (NSD) with a Gold Medal, he moved to Mumbai, filled with ambition. However, the reality of life in the city was tough. He faced hardships, including living in a railway station for 27 days. Despite these struggles, Kher’s confidence never wavered. He believed that his NSD training had prepared him to conquer the City of Dreams.
His breakthrough came with the film “Saaransh,” which he fondly remembered as a significant milestone in his career. Kher’s first visit to IFFI in 1984 for this film marked the beginning of a long and illustrious journey in Indian cinema. Over the years, he faced numerous ups and downs, including a battle with facial paralysis during the filming of “Hum Aapke Hain Koun” and a financial crisis in 2004. Yet, each time he faced adversity, he drew strength from the lessons imparted by his father and grandfather. Kher’s resilience and unwavering spirit became a testament to his belief in the power of perseverance.
Life Lessons and Philosophy
Throughout the masterclass, Anupam Kher’s magnetic personality shone through as he shared his life philosophy: “Never give up.” His turbulent journey resonated with the audience, who listened intently to his stories of struggle and triumph. Kher’s ability to connect with people through his experiences made the session not just a masterclass in acting but also a masterclass in life.
The audience was left in awe as Kher recounted how he transformed his failures into valuable lessons. His journey serves as a reminder that setbacks are a natural part of life. What matters is how one responds to those challenges. Kher’s charisma and wisdom inspired many to embrace their own failures and view them as opportunities for growth. As he concluded the session, the message was clear: success is not defined by the absence of failure but by the courage to rise after each fall.
In summary, Anupam Kher’s masterclass at IFFI 2024 was a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, the value of failure, and the necessity of never giving up on one’s dreams. His life story continues to inspire countless individuals, encouraging them to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
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