"When I came to Mumbai to become an actor, I didn't know anyone in the industry. Moreover, I was already balding. The only thing that gave me confidence was the knowledge that I was a trained actor who knew his craft," says actor Anupam Kher. From Saaransh to Striker Anupam has has become the quintessential daddy of Bollywood. Awaiting the release of Lamha and Zokkoman, Anupam talks to CS about his journey so far and the fifth anniversary of his acting school:


PIC/ SAYED SAMEER ABEDI

In an actor's shoes
It's easier to become an actor if you know yourself in and out. Today, directors want actors who can become characters, like in Khosla ka Ghosla, Roket Singh and many more. Acting can be very therapeutic since it is an outlet to vent your feelings.u00a0 I feel that anyone who lies can act, which means that the whole world can act. The more you act, the better you get.

The young and restless
The younger generation is more confident, outgoing and pushy in a nice sort of way. They are loaded with information as they belong to this era. In this profession, the possibilities come either through your pedigree or your hard work. But, even those with pedigree have to slog it out. Today, youngsters are more confident, but confidence has nothing to do with acting.

Actors I love
I adored Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's Godfather. Marlon had a larger than life persona even before he did the film. But whenever we see Godfather, we see Marlon only as Corleone. Robert De Niro was fantastic as Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull. He gained 60 pounds to play that role. Darsheel Safary was unbelievably believable in Taare Zameen Paar.

What excites me
Any role that deals with human failing excites me. I intend to work at least for the next 20-25 years in the industry. I feel that the film industry is entering its most creative phase, and I want to be a part of it. I am truly comfortable now, as an actor and as a person. I have nothing to prove. I just want to work for art's sake.