Did Anupam Kher Really Get Replaced by Sanjeev Kumar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Resilience is key to success in the film industry.
- Facing setbacks can lead to greater achievements.
- Second chances are important for everyone.
- Every successful career is built on a foundation of struggles.
- Hope is a powerful motivator in life and cinema.
Mumbai, Sep 25 (NationPress) Renowned actor Anupam Kher candidly discussed a pivotal challenge from his early days in the film industry when he was supplanted by Sanjeev Kumar in a movie role.
During an exclusive interview with IANS, Kher shared his journey of resilience, illustrating how he transformed obstacles into stepping stones, which contributed to his illustrious four-decade career in cinema. Reflecting on his film ‘Tanvi the Great’, he conveyed that life has tested him numerous times—specifically recalling a moment when he was all set for a role in “Saaransh” but was ultimately replaced by Sanjeev Kumar. He stressed that it was his relentless spirit and negotiations, notably with director Mahesh Bhatt, that paved the way for his eventual success.
Anupam recounted to IANS, “Life has challenged me repeatedly. For instance, prior to Saaransh, I was ready for the part but was replaced by Sanjeev Kumar. If I hadn’t stood my ground with Mahesh Bhatt, I wouldn’t be here today. Similar instances occurred with Yash Chopra’s Lamhe. In the initial weeks, Choli Ke Peeche didn’t perform well. Yet, in my forty-year journey, each success has been accompanied by struggles.”
“I believe audiences were yearning for a profound love story, and Mohit Suri, who directed Aashiqui, rekindled that magic. The music was exceptional. However, distributors and exhibitors frequently concentrate on just one hit film, neglecting others. That’s the reality of life. Thousands of individuals come to this city, each with their own destiny. Only a select few get the opportunities,” the esteemed actor continued.
Moreover, discussing the rationale behind the re-release of ‘Tanvi the Great’, Anupam remarked, “I advocate for second chances. Life should continually provide fresh opportunities. For instance, in Indian services such as the IAS and IPS, or even in Vikrant Massey’s latest project, we recognize how crucial it is to receive multiple chances. Likewise, we have created a commendable product. If it didn’t succeed initially, we are making a limited re-release on the twenty-sixth, set to hit approximately twenty cities before it arrives on OTT. I’m thrilled because this second chance has come within two months. That alone exemplifies the film’s essence—hope. We have witnessed a glimmer of optimism, and I firmly believe we must seize every opportunity that presents itself.”
“Tanvi the Great,” directed by Anupam Kher, is scheduled for a theatrical re-release on September 26, 2025, merely two months after its original launch on July 18, 2025.