Anupam Kher returns to Bengali cinema after 26 years with 'Shuru Theke Shuru'
Synopsis
Twenty-six years after producing Rituparno Ghosh's National Award-winning Bariwali, Anupam Kher is returning to Bengali cinema with Shuru Theke Shuru — and this time he wants to build an acting school in Bengal too. It is a homecoming that is as much cultural as it is commercial.
Key Takeaways
Anupam Kher announced his return to Bengali cinema after 26 years at a media interaction in Kolkata .
The new film is titled Shuru Theke Shuru , produced by Anupam Kher Studio in partnership with Friends Communication and Firdausul Hassan .
His last Bengali production, Bariwali ( 1999 ), directed by Rituparno Ghosh , earned Kirron Kher the National Film Award for Best Actress .
Kher , 71 , also announced plans to establish an acting school in West Bengal .
The Chief Minister of West Bengal reportedly extended support and good wishes for the project.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has announced his return to Bengali cinema after a gap of 26 years, revealing that his production banner Anupam Kher Studio will produce a new Bengali film titled Shuru Theke Shuru in collaboration with Friends Communication and producer Firdausul Hassan. The announcement was made publicly at a media interaction in Kolkata.
The Announcement
Addressing the media, Kher confirmed the project officially, stating: 'Anupam Kher Studio, our company, is going to make a Bengali film after 26 years with Friends Communication and Mr. Firdausul Hassan. And for that, we have come to inform you officially.' The title Shuru Theke Shuru translates loosely to 'Let's start from the beginning' — a phrase Kher said he also used when speaking with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, from whom he reportedly received warm wishes and encouragement for the venture.
The 26-Year Connection: Bariwali and Rituparno Ghosh
Kher's last Bengali production was Bariwali (1999), directed by the late auteur Rituparno Ghosh. The film starred Kirron Kher, Roopa Ganguly, and Chiranjeet Chakraborty. Kirron Kher won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film — a milestone that Anupam has described as deeply significant to his career.
Plans for an Acting School in Bengal
Beyond the film, the 71-year-old actor revealed ambitions to establish an acting school in West Bengal. 'We want to set up a school here, an acting school,' he said, underscoring a longer-term commitment to the state's creative ecosystem. Kher also paid tribute to Bengal's cultural legacy, citing luminaries such as Satyajit Ray (Manikda), Mrinal Sen, and literary icon Bankim Chandra Chatterjee as foundational influences. 'This film industry — we have learned everything from here,' he said.
What This Means for Bengali Cinema
The return of a major Bollywood production house to Bengali film production is notable at a time when the regional industry is navigating shifting audience preferences and OTT competition. Kher's involvement — both as producer and as a figure with deep personal ties to Bengal's artistic tradition — could draw national attention to the project. This comes amid a broader trend of cross-industry collaborations revitalising regional cinema circuits across India.
Details on the director, cast, and production timeline for Shuru Theke Shuru are yet to be officially announced. The project is expected to take shape over the coming months.
Point of View
But the commercial logic is equally clear — Bengali cinema's OTT boom has made the regional market attractive again for Bollywood producers. The acting school announcement is the more interesting signal: it suggests a longer institutional bet on Bengal, not just a one-film cameo. Whether that ambition translates into a functioning institution, or remains an announcement, will be the real measure of this comeback's sincerity.
NationPress
26 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anupam Kher's new Bengali film?
Anupam Kher's new Bengali film is titled Shuru Theke Shuru, produced by Anupam Kher Studio in collaboration with Friends Communication and Firdausul Hassan. It marks his return to Bengali cinema after 26 years.
What was Anupam Kher's last Bengali film?
His last Bengali production was Bariwali (1999), directed by Rituparno Ghosh, which starred Kirron Kher, Roopa Ganguly, and Chiranjeet Chakraborty. Kirron Kher won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in the film.
Why is Anupam Kher returning to Bengali cinema now?
Kher has cited a deep artistic connection to Bengal's cultural legacy, referencing filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen as foundational influences. He also noted the support of the West Bengal Chief Minister and expressed a desire to contribute to the state's film industry.
Is Anupam Kher planning an acting school in West Bengal?
Yes, Kher announced plans to set up an acting school in West Bengal alongside the new film project. He framed it as part of a broader effort to give back to the industry that shaped him.
Who is involved in the production of Shuru Theke Shuru?
The film is being produced by Anupam Kher Studio in partnership with Friends Communication and producer Firdausul Hassan. Further details on the director and cast have not yet been officially announced.
