Anupam Kher Reveals Feeling JEALOUS When He Was Replaced In Mr India, Shares His Biggest Dream: ‘People May Say….’

Amrish Puri’s portrayal of Mogambo in Mr. India is iconic, but it was not always his role. Anupam Kher has revealed that he was originally offered the character and even started shooting before being replaced.

In a podcast with Raj Shamani, Anupam Kher recalled how he lost the role to Amrish Puri after working on the film for one or two months. 

Anupam Kher Says He Felt Belittled And Jealous

Sharing his reaction on being replaced, he said, “Mogambo’s role was offered to me before Amrish Puri. However, after one or two months, the filmmakers replaced me. When you are dropped from a film, then generally an actor feels bad, but when I watched Mr. India and saw Amrishji’s work as Mogambo, then I thought that the makers of the film took the right decision by casting him.”

The actor added that his approach to the role was very different from what director Shekhar Kapur wanted. “After watching the film, I knew that I wouldn’t have played the character so stiffly. Me and Shekhar had a different idea for the character, he would’ve been more Machiavellian. I felt belittled. I wondered why I had been replaced, why I had been fired. It’s natural to feel small. They did it for themselves. But I understand that now. Back then, I felt inferior, hurt, and jealous. How could he get the role?”

While he initially felt disappointed, Anupam Kher later admitted that Amrish Puri made Mogambo unforgettable. Even Puri mentioned in his autobiography that he was nervous to take on the role after scenes had already been shot.

On His Current Biggest Dream 

When asked about his biggest dream, Anupam said, “An Oscar. People may say what’s the big deal, but I want everything.” He added that he hopes to be remembered as someone who kept learning and evolving.

On the work front, Anupam Kher was last seen in Metro In Dino and will soon be seen in Tanvi The Great, which will clash at the box office with Saiyaara.