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Those attacking my performance have bigger political agenda: Anupam Kher
By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS) Actor Anupam Kher says he couldn’t care less about adverse reviews to his latest film “The Accidental Prime Minister”, based on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s life.
“No matter what you do, there will be people trying to pull you down. Criticism was always a favourite national pastime. Now film criticism has also become a big source of self-entertainment for Indians. I don’t take criticism or the film criticism to heart. Finally, it is just one man or woman’s opinion. And I’ve seen enough glowing and glowering reviews in my career to take both in my stride,” Anupam said before leaving for a three-month trip abroad.
What has surprised Anupam quite a bit is the scathing criticism levelled at his portrayal of Manmohan Singh.
“It seems some critics have a much larger political agenda than what I am supposed to have. The comments are uncalled for and irrelevant. I wanted to portray Dr. Manmohan Singh with the dignity and grace that he deserves. And I think I’ve succeeded in that. Grant me at least that bit of experience and wisdom as actor,” he said.
He will be in the US for the next three months to shoot a new season of the series “New Amsterdam”.
“I play one of the leads, an Indian doctor named Vijay Kapoor. It is one of the most popular serials played across the world. I am setting aside my next three months fully to the series, with no other digressions,” said the veteran actor.
Anupam’s closing thoughts on the reviews of “The Accidental Prime Minister”?
“We set out to tell the story of an unsung hero, a politician who was far less political than the job required him to be. The film is based on a book written by Dr. Singh’s political advisor. But it is not a biopic on Dr. Singh. It depicts 10 crucial years in the life of India’s politics. You may not think much of the film. But do not belittle the intelligence of the country’s moviegoing audience.”
The film minted Rs 4.5 crore on its opening day on Friday and on Saturday it minted it Rs 5.45 crore. This, when there was disturbance in the film’s release in the East India region.
How does Anupam explain the encouraging opening despite some poor reviews?
He quipped: “How do you explain the poor opening of so many film despite the glowing reviews? Indians are politically savvy people. The audience likes to know the truth about political figures, especially someone as reclusive as Dr. Manmohan Singh.”
—IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.