Anupam Kher turns producer for Bengali film 'Shuru Theke Shuru' after 26 years
Synopsis
Anupam Kher is back in Bengali cinema — not as an actor, but as a producer — for the first time in 26 years. His new production 'Shuru Theke Shuru', starring Rahul Bose and Tota Roy Chowdhury, is also the first project under Anupam Kher Studio, signalling an ambitious push into regional storytelling that could reshape how Bollywood veterans engage with Bengali cinema.
Key Takeaways
Anupam Kher returns to Bengali cinema as a producer after 26 years , with 'Shuru Theke Shuru' launched on 26 June .
The film stars Rahul Bose , Tota Roy Chowdhury , Paoli Dam , and Sneha Paul .
Written and directed by debutant Shamik Banerjee ; music composed by Jeet Ganguly .
Kher's previous Bengali production, 'Bariwali' ( 1999 ), earned Kirron Kher the National Film Award for Best Actress .
The film is the first production under Anupam Kher Studio , with more projects planned.
Veteran actor-filmmaker Anupam Kher is returning to Bengali cinema as a producer after 26 years, with his upcoming production 'Shuru Theke Shuru' — a project he describes as a heartfelt salute to Bengal's towering contribution to Indian cinema. The announcement was made on 26 June at a launch event that Kher called 'a grand celebration of cinema, culture, and new beginnings.'
The Film and Its Cast
The project brings together a notable ensemble: Rahul Bose, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Paoli Dam, and Sneha Paul are set to star in the film. Shamik Banerjee has been introduced as the writer and director, with Kher expressing full confidence in his vision. 'He has written a deeply engaging script, and I have complete faith that his voice will add something fresh and meaningful to Bengali cinema,' Kher said. Music for the film is composed by Jeet Ganguly. Further production details remain under wraps.
Kher's Return to Bengali Cinema
Kher's last Bengali production was 'Bariwali' — a critically acclaimed 1999 film that starred his wife Kirron Kher, alongside Roopa Ganguly and Chiranjeet Chakraborty. Kirron Kher won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in that film, playing Banalata, a middle-aged woman living in isolation in her mansion whose emotions are exploited by a visiting film director. The film remains a landmark in Bengali parallel cinema.
Anupam Kher Studio's Larger Vision
Kher confirmed that 'Shuru Theke Shuru' is not a standalone venture but the first step in a broader content strategy under Anupam Kher Studio. 'This is not just the launch of one film. It is the beginning of a beautiful journey. At Anupam Kher Studio, we are committed to telling stories that touch hearts, and this collaboration is the first of many,' he said. He framed the project as a tribute to Bengal's cultural legacy — a region that has produced, in his words, some of India's greatest writers, directors, actors, singers, musicians, and artists.
What to Watch
With the launch event concluded, the production is now expected to move into active filming. The choice of Rahul Bose and Tota Roy Chowdhury — both known for nuanced, character-driven performances — signals a film aimed at discerning audiences rather than the mainstream commercial circuit. Whether 'Shuru Theke Shuru' can match the critical legacy of 'Bariwali' will be closely watched by Bengali film circles.
Point of View
An untested director, over an established Bengali filmmaker is a notable risk, though Kher's track record with 'Bariwali' lends credibility. The real question is whether Anupam Kher Studio can build a content pipeline that outlasts the launch buzz — something most actor-turned-producer ventures in India have struggled to do.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Shuru Theke Shuru'?
'Shuru Theke Shuru' is an upcoming Bengali film produced by Anupam Kher under his banner Anupam Kher Studio. It stars Rahul Bose, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Paoli Dam, and Sneha Paul, and is written and directed by Shamik Banerjee.
Why is Anupam Kher producing a Bengali film after 26 years?
Kher's last Bengali production was 'Bariwali' in 1999, which won Kirron Kher the National Film Award for Best Actress. He has described the new film as a tribute to Bengal's rich cultural and cinematic legacy, and the start of a broader content journey under Anupam Kher Studio.
Who is directing 'Shuru Theke Shuru'?
The film is written and directed by Shamik Banerjee, who Anupam Kher introduced at the launch event on 26 June. Kher expressed full confidence in Banerjee's script and creative voice.
What was Anupam Kher's previous Bengali film 'Bariwali' about?
'Bariwali' (1999) followed Banalata, a middle-aged woman living alone in her mansion, whose emotions are exploited by a film director who uses her home as a shoot location. Kirron Kher's performance in the film earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress.
Who has composed the music for 'Shuru Theke Shuru'?
The film's music is composed by Jeet Ganguly, a well-known name in Bengali and Hindi film music. Other production details remain undisclosed at this stage.
