Father’s Day 2018: The Good, The Bad and The Alcoholic, Anupam Kher Has Played All Kinds of Dad Roles and Nailed Them

Anupam Kher started his journey in Bollywood when he was only 28 years old. At that young age, he got the offer to play a father in Saransh. Kher took up the role as an opportunity and acted so well that he got noticed and since, there has been no looking back for the actor. Later, Kher played a father several times on screen and it wouldn't be wrong to say that he is the quintessential Baap of Bollywood. On the occasion of Father's Day, we list down (in no particular order) ten films in which Kher played a Dad and rocked them all.

Saransh

The top spot in this list has to be taken by Anupam Kher's role as BV Pradhan in Saranash. It was Kher's breakthrough role. A 28-year-old Anupam Kher dared to play the role of a father on screen. In the film, Kher's character loses his only son who gets killed in New York. One and all loved his effortless portrayal of a helpless father who is struggling to accept the reality. The film also got an Oscar nomination. Kher's depiction of a grieving father was one we can draw some relation to in our real experiences.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)

Who wouldn't want a Dad as cool as Dharamvir Malhotra, from DDLJ? He was chill when Raj failed in exams, supportive when he fell in love and protective when Baldev Singh (Amrish Puri) came in Raj's way. Anupam Kher as a Dad in DDLJ was way ahead of his times and absolutely adorable. Not many of us are lucky to have a playful "O Potchi, O Koka, O Bobi, O Lola" kind of relationship with our Dads, right?

Hum Aapke Hain Kaun

Not many people know that during the shoot of Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Anupam Kher was suffering from partial facial paralysis. But Kher completely turned around the tables. He put in all his heart in the role and excellently pulled-off the character of a goofy, chirpy and fun father, enjoying every moment of his daughter Pooja's (Renuka Shahane) wedding.

Wake Up Sid

Anupam Kher's role in Wake Up Sid is a cameo, though, his impact in the story build-up is crucial. His portrayal of a strict father, who doesn't want his son Sid (Ranbir Kapoor) to be spoilt and flourish on his money is genuine. The confrontation scene between the two is a highlight in the film. Kher's role as Ram Mehra is one a lot of us can relate to. The shades of a disjunct father-son relationship is depicted with exceptional ease by Kher.

Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara

In Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara Anupam Kher is a father to two children. As a victim of dementia, he is constantly battling with complex emotions. Kher's depiction of Uttam Chaudhary, a father trapped between his complexities and his love for his children won him a National Film Award.  In a truly unconventional role, Kher smoothly got into the skin of it.

Daddy

The film Daddy is titled after Anupam Kher's character Anand. Kher plays a dad to Pooja (Pooja Bhatt) who she has not met until one day when he saves her from molesters. The journey of an alcoholic dad coming out of his depressing life with his daughter's love is what makes the film relatable and emotional. Kher won his first National Award for this film.

Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein (RHTDM)

Owner of a music shop, in RHTDM, Anupam Kher plays a super cool Dad who encourages his son's affair and teaches him to live to the fullest. His character in the movie won our hearts with his cuteness and warmth. He plays the typical dad-cum-friend who supports his son through all kinds of mischief and fun.

Tezaab

In the role of a bad guy, Anupam Kher excels in Tehzaab. He plays a gambler and alcoholic dad who finances his interests by making his talented daughter Mohini (Madhuri Dixit) sing and dance. Kher's portrayal in a negative role flows smoothly and is convincing to the audience. He nails the character as he transforms from a gullible-looking person to a callous, cold-hearted character.

Khosla Ka Ghosla

Anupam Kher's Kamal Kishore Khosla in Khosla Ka Ghosla as a conservative, retired-service class father is someone we all know. He plays the dad next door who has nightmares about his children and is constantly insecure. Kher has drawn on the the vulnerability and complexity of an average father in his character with much ease. He picked up the nuances, like his dependence on his eldest son and his constant diffidence so well that Kamal Kishore hardly seems like a fictional character.

Rang De Basanti

Anupam Kher's role as Rajnath Singhania in Rang De Basanti is a small one but very impactful. By playing a corrupt businessperson, he manages to convince the audience that his son Karan (Siddharth Narayan) is justified in killing him.  Kher's acting is so good that one cannot help but loathe him in the film.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that Anupam Kher is one of Bollywood's most brilliant actors when it comes to playing character roles. The fact that he took up the role of a elderly man even as a young actor shows his dedication towards the art. At a time when most actors were image conscious and chasing glamorous roles, Kher took up the opportunity instead of passing it on and aced it.  Anupam Kher's journey in Bollywood embodies what each of our dads have told us at some point: 'When life give you lemons, make lemonade.'

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 13, 2018 03:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).