Anupam Kher: 'I approached Silver Linings Playbook as if a newcomer'

Anupam Kher has said that he approached his role in Silver Linings Playbook as though he was a newcomer.

The veteran actor, who has starred in over 450 films in a career spanning three decades, played the role of therapist Dr Patel in the film.

Speaking to IANS, he said: "I have done more than 450 films but I approached this film as a newcomer as if it was my first film because I don't think in English... I think in Hindi. For me to be a therapist with technical words, I had to concentrate, focus."

Starring alongside Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in the Oscar-nominated film, Kher said he felt like he was representing India.

"Maybe it was not so difficult to get a sense of awe from them that I have done so many movies," he explained. "But to earn their respect I had to be good in my job. Sometimes when you work in a film like this it feels you are representing your country and it is that kind of a feeling."


The Chashme Baddoor star added that he was happy with the film's critical and commercial success.

"The film has crossed $100 million and it makes me very happy because these days we all are talking about 100 crore. So here is a film which I have done that has reached a landmark of $100 million."

It was recently reported that Kher is to direct a short film in tribute to co-star Robert De Niro, entitled I Went Shopping for Robert De Niro.

Silver Linings Playbook is the first film in 31 years to receive Oscar nominations in all four acting categories.

Directed by David O Russell, Silver Linings Playbook is out in the US and UK and releases in India today (February 22).

Photo Gallery - Oscar nominations in pictures: