In a surprising revelation that has sent ripples through Bollywood circles, veteran actor Anupam Kher has disclosed that his colleague Naseeruddin Shah recently apologised to him, putting an end to their highly publicised 2020 feud that began with Shah labelling Kher a 'clown'. The emotional reconciliation occurred during a chance meeting at a memorial service, marking a significant moment in their decades-long professional relationship.
The Apology That Healed Old Wounds
During an interview recorded around Independence Day for Unfiltered by Samdish, Anupam Kher shared the heartwarming moment when Naseeruddin Shah approached him with an apology. The meeting took place at filmmaker HD Pathak's memorial service, where Shah initiated the reconciliation by saying 'Sorry yaar!' according to Kher's account.
Kher described their interaction with evident emotion: 'When we met there, he hugged me because I always hug him. I really like him a lot, and he is one of the actors who inspired me to get into acting.' This revelation comes as a significant development in the relationship between two of Indian cinema's most respected actors, whose public disagreement had become one of Bollywood's most talked-about conflicts.
Understanding the 2020 Feud Origins
The roots of their conflict trace back to 2020, when political differences sparked a heated exchange between the two actors. The controversy erupted after Deepika Padukone's controversial visit to JNU, with Anupam Kher voicing pro-government opinions that apparently didn't sit well with Naseeruddin Shah.
In an interview with The Wire, Shah had praised Deepika Padukone for standing in solidarity with JNU students despite being 'in the top firmament.' During the same conversation, he took a sharp dig at Kher, stating: 'Someone like Anupam Kher has been very vocal. I don't think he needs to be taken seriously. He's a clown... it's in his blood, he can't help it.'
Kher responded with equal force on X (formerly Twitter), writing a strongly worded post that highlighted Shah's history of criticising other Bollywood legends. 'I never bad-mouthed you or said anything rude to you. But now, I would like to say that you have spent your entire life, despite all the success, in frustration,' Kher had written at the time.
Underlying Bitterness and Mutual Respect
Despite the public reconciliation, Anupam Kher expressed concern about what he perceives as underlying bitterness in Naseeruddin Shah's personality. 'I don't want to say this out loud, but he is a brilliant and intelligent man and God has given him so much,' Kher stated during the interview.
He further elaborated: 'Nobody is a bigger star than him in parallel cinema, yet I think there is some kind of bitterness that targets sometimes me, sometimes Dilip Kumar, and sometimes Rajesh Khanna.' This observation sheds light on the complex dynamics between the two actors, who have maintained professional respect despite their differences.
Kher emphasised that he still holds 'great respect for Naseer' but noted that 'he sometimes has loose-talk conversations about me.' This candid admission highlights the challenges of maintaining relationships in the high-pressure world of Bollywood, where personal and political differences often become public spectacles.
Professional History and Future Collaborations
The two veteran actors share a rich professional history, having worked together in several notable films. Their last collaboration was in the 2018 film Aiyaary, starring Sidharth Malhotra. However, they are perhaps best known for their powerful performances in the critically acclaimed 2008 thriller A Wednesday, which showcased their exceptional acting prowess.
Their professional relationship spans decades, making their recent reconciliation particularly meaningful for Bollywood enthusiasts who have followed their careers. The apology and subsequent reconciliation suggest that despite their differences, there remains a foundation of mutual respect built through years of shared professional experiences.
As the Indian film industry watches this development unfold, many are hopeful that this reconciliation might pave the way for future collaborations between the two acting powerhouses. Their combined talent has previously produced cinematic magic, and fans would undoubtedly welcome seeing them share screen space again.
