‘Met chef Hemant after film’s shooting’

Anupam Kher is gearing up for the India release of his next film Hotel Mumbai, an Anthony Maras directorial that details the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The actor, who plays chef Hemant Oberoi in the film, says that he was actually shooting in Bandra the day of the harrowing attacks. “That day, I was busy shooting in Bandra for one of my films. We got the news while I was on set, and we watched the attack later on television. It was very gruesome,” he recalls, adding that he met the actual chef — who helped save many lives — but only after the shooting of the film ended as per the director’s instructions. “The content also has an emotional angle. Our director wanted us to feel the character and perform,” he explains.

Speaking about the attack, Kher lauds the Taj Hotel’s staff for their bravery. “The film also showcases the courage of the common man in an extraordinary manner. Though the guests may have been strangers to the staff, in India we believe that guests are akin to God. These commoners did not fear for their own lives but tried their best to save their guests. They are real heroes,” he asserts.

Meanwhile, Kher is playing neurologist Dr Vijay Kapoor on the American television series New Amsterdam. He reveals that he likes bringing an Indian flavour to the medical show. “I try to add some Hindustani songs, and recently I added the Hanuman Chalisa in it,” he says.