Anupam Kher fondly recalled his unforgettable experience working alongside the legendary Dilip Kumar in the 1986 film Karma. He admitted to being utterly starstruck on set, feeling a mix of awe and excitement in the presence of such an iconic figure.
Anupam expressed the depth of his admiration for Dilip Kumar by sharing a memorable story from his youth. He recounted how, in his eagerness to see Kumar’s film Gopi in theaters, he ended up breaking his nose during the chaotic rush for tickets.Despite the mishap, he watched the film with a bloodied nose, still reveling in the magic of experiencing the legendary actor’s performance on the big screen. This story reflects Kher’s long-standing devotion to cinema and his idol.
Years later, when Kher finally got to work alongside his idol in Karma, he was completely mesmerized. He shared how Dilip Kumar had a distinct working style, often delaying scenes to suit his own rhythm. Kher recounted an instance when he had just finished filming for Arjun at 5 AM and arrived at the Karma set by 7 AM, all made up with a fake beard. However, Kumar didn’t show up until around 11 AM, showcasing his regal presence and the relaxed pace he maintained on set.
The veteran star fondly recalled his first scene with Dilip Kumar, where he faced the challenge of delivering two pages of dialogue while Kumar’s character merely listened. Filled with anxiety about how he would perform, Kher practiced tirelessly. However, much to his surprise, Dilip kept postponing the scene, demonstrating his unique approach to filmmaking.
When Dilip Kumar showed up on set, he enjoyed a fancy breakfast with tea served in silverware. After his meal, he suggested starting work after lunch, but he didn’t return until late afternoon and decided to postpone filming to the next day. Anupam Kher, who was in awe of Dilip, got teased by Subhash Ghai for looking so enchanted, reminding him that he was supposed to be the villain in the film.