EXCHANGING IDEAS DURING THE "IDEA EXCHANGE"

EXCHANGING IDEAS DURING THE “IDEA EXCHANGE”
BY: PIA BAKSHI
I was in school sitting in the computer room trying to finish the report (within the deadline)of the event that took place in the school premises on that fateful day.Then entered Puniita Ma’am with a news I certainly wasn’t expecting.We had been invited to the Idea Exchange in the Indian Express office which, otherwise, is quite a restricted meeting.And this event was to be graced by the eminent actor Anupam Kher .We have seen him as a father who lost his son in SARANSH ;as an alchoholic father in DADDY;as a schezophrenic man in MAINE GANDHI KO NAHIN MARA;and as an intense actor in A WEDNESDAY.But we were given the oppurtunity to see him as he was.He was to be himself and it was a great experience t see the actor we see on the silver screen in his real avtar.We arrived at the Indian Express Office at quarter to 4.The meeting was to start at 4.Well in time we went to meet the Editor-in –Chief,Mr Pubby who was kind enough to give us comfortable seats that gave us just the perfect view .We were all sitting and preparing when the reporters walked in.And we realized that- Yes, the moment was not far away .Soon we would be sitting in the presence of the great reporters and…. Anupam Kher.
Dressed in a simple sky blue shirt and a pair of denims entered Anupam Kher .But don’t go by the the simple understated attire because with this casual style came confidenc e and an intimidating aura as a must-have accessory.After a warm greeting to all the people present with a special reference to the three of us i.e Deeksha, Kashish and and me, the series of questions began.
A pinch of humour; a teaspoon of wit; a bowl full of intellect; a cup full of optimism; honesty as garnishing-and the recipe of Anupam Kher’s special answers is ready.Not a single moment was monotonous.Every single moment was full of fun and gave us a chanceto learn and grasp more.
We were all expecting a very serious atmosphere but it was truly surprising to see the casual, warm and friendly environment.The first question asked was about hi s baldness and he took it in the best sport .He quoted a sensational statement that would change the lives of many people-He said that”BALD IS FASHIONABLE” and the elan with which he said it we were bound to agree.
Further when asked about his work as the Head of the CENSOR BOARD, he repplied that he wanted to bringforth anything that was true but at the time censor anything that was objectionable.
When a senior reporter asked him that out of KIRRON KHER and him who the better actor was, he candidly said that without doubt it was him.Further justifying, he mentioned that while he had done 100s of movies ,his wife had done 20 or so –so their was no comparison.
Our inquisitive Deeksha asked him what he thinks of how the movies are being projected now and how they affect the child psychology .To this he answered that movies are just an extension of the writers’ imagination and therefore, essentially, they are not meant to inspire and mould the minds of the young viewers .He further added that the parents should take an initiative in making sure that what their children watch is suitable.
When I asked him about his entire experience in the film industry, he was flooded with nostalgia. He said that it was truly brilliant.With its ups and its downs-all have made him the man he is today.I further asked him, “Both your debut movie that was SARANSH and your most recent ,A WEDNESDAY ,speak volumes of your talent and calibre.But which is your personal favourite and why?’’
He replied by saying ,”My choice would be DADDY because it spoke of human failure and to play such an intense character in itself was a challenge.Also MAINE GANDHI KO NAHIN MARA for the same reason .”
And after getting a picture and a couple of autographs we rounded up our brief rendevouz.As we were walking back I was elated .Walking through their corridors I actually realized that I ,at the age 14, had just spoken to one of the most distinguished actors in the entire film industry.With that thought in mind, I involuntarily gave myself a pat on the back and went towards my car.Well, it is certainly the truth that while speaking to him none of us were nervous.And now when I look back I actually feel like I had accomplished a big thing-I did not lose my composure on seeing such a big star and that in itself was such a big achievment for me and my friends.On that note I end the description of that day –THE DAY OF MY FIRST INTERVIEW!!!!!!