While one perceives Anupam Kher as one of the most prolific actors around, the sheer number of films he's done is, to put it mildly, staggering.
In a statement released today, it has emerged that Kher is currently filming his 500th film. Yep, you read that right.
And it's no average fare. Befitting its momentous number, the film is a Hollywood production directed by Michael Showalter and stars Oscar-winner Holly Hunter (The Piano, O Brother, Where Art Thou), Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks, Our Brand Is Crisis), Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond), and actor-writer-producer Kumail Nanjiani (currently features in Silicon Valley).
The film, titled The Big Sick, revolves around the marriage between a Pakistani man and an American woman. Kher will be seen playing father to Nanjiani's character, who is Pakistani. The film is produced by renowned Hollywood screenwriter-director, Judd Apatow.
This isn't the first Hollywood film for the 61-year-old actor, who has acted under Oscar-winning director David O. Russell in Silver Linings Playbook, Woody Allen in You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger, besides appearing in films like Bride and Prejudice, Lust, Caution, and Mistress of Spices.
Hollywood legend Rober De Niro wished Kher by posting this video on Twitter.
Happy to announce my 500th film 'The Big Sick'. And who else but to have Robert De Niro congratulate me. Jai Ho.:) pic.twitter.com/9fcYvnuLL7
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) June 14, 2016
Reflecting on his undoubtedly illustrious career, Kher said in the statement, “Many people have played an important role in my career. The producers and directors gave me work. But I want to dedicate this achievement to the unsung, nameless and faceless workers of our industry: the spot boys, the technicians, the assistant cameramen, the make-up artists, the costume assistants; indeed everyone working behind the scenes to make the magic happen on the big screen.”
Kher made his film debut in 1984 with Mahesh Bhatt's Saaransh, which went on to achieve box-office success and tremendous critical acclaim. The actor wasn't the film's original choice and had to fight through its producers to stay in the film as they wanted a more 'known' name.
After the film's success, Kher went on to do several iconic roles in multiple blockbuster movies like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Karma, Lamhe, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Special 26, A Wednesday.
His autobiographical play, Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, has also been very well-received.
“It has taken me 32 years to achieve this watershed moment, but when I look back, it is as if all that time has flashed by in a blink,” Kher shared.
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