‘This is the best gift’

If you thought Anupam Kher is content with stardust memories,celebrating the silver anniversary of his first movie Saaransh,you are much mistaken. He is part of Woody Allen’s next project,along with Freida Pinto. “My casting agent Ruth Young informed me from London on Sunday that Allen was interested in casting me in his next film. This is the best gift I could have asked for,” says Kher. He is not new to international projects,having worked in Ang Lee’s Lust,Caution in 2007.

What is surprising is that Kher does not know what his role is,but that is the least of his worries. “When you are offered to work with such a great filmmaker you don’t think of the role. Allen is a brand in himself. He is the most prolific filmmaker and I admire the manner in which naturalism and realism play in his work. Every actor would give their right arm to be in his film,” he says,adding that the 1979 black-and-white film Manhattan is one of his favourite Allen movies.

The new Allen film,still untitled,also stars Anthony Hopkins,Antonio Banderas,Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts and begins shooting in London in August. “Pinto is a competent actor and I am happy she is going places,” says Kher,looking forward to his London trip in August. “I will meet Allen there and gladly accept whatever role he offers me,” he says.