Having learnt the instrument for his next, Anil Kapoor chronicles the place of music in his career
It's been a long journey for Anil Kapoor, who kicked-off his Bollywood career learning to play the harmonium for Woh Saat Din (1983), and is now taking to the trumpet in Fanney Khan. Even though 35 years divide the two films, Kapoor's process of understanding the instruments has remained as tedious as it always was. Like he did for his debut film, he became proficient at playing the trumpet before filming for Fanney Khan commenced.
Anil Kapoor
ADVERTISEMENT
The toil was essential, says Kapoor. "The trumpet is an integral part of my character. It stays with him throughout the movie as a prized possession. I was excited to learn a new instrument and took lessons from [professional player] Ramesh Kumar Gurung," he reasons.
Despite playing an array of instruments for his films - including the sitar when he was a child artiste starring in Tu Payal Mein Geet (1971) - it is the trumpet that he found the hardest to perform with. "Playing it, and acting whilst playing it, are two different things. It was challenging to emote while using the instrument. My character, Fanney, plays it when he is sad or happy. So I had to make it look real."
Kapoor has often gone to great lengths to pull off some of his most memorable musicals. His effort to learn the sitar had him travel from Chembur to Bandra daily when he was all of 12. As for learning the harmonium for Woh Saat Din, Kapoor trained in semi-classical music to do justice to his act. "I learned to play the harmonium from Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan. Music has played an integral part in my career. I understood melody and rhythm through the characters I have played."
Also Read: Saif Ali Khan: Attacking stars easiest way to get attention
Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
