'King' Dilip Kumar arrived in a Mercedes, drank tea from silverware, refused to do a slap scene, recalls Anupam Kher

Economic Times

20-07-2025

Synopsis
Anupam Kher fondly remembers his experiences working with Dilip Kumar, describing it as a royal collaboration. He recounts Kumar's majestic presence on set, highlighting his quiet authority and considerate nature. Kher cherishes the praise he received from Kumar, which significantly boosted his confidence. Their shared work in four films left a lasting impact on Kher's career.
Agencies Anupam Kher Recalls Dilip Kumar: A Regal Presence, A Gracious Soul Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently revisited a deeply cherished memory from his career — working alongside the legendary Dilip Kumar. In a heartfelt conversation with Filmfare , Kher described the opportunity as extraordinary, likening it to collaborating with royalty. For him, acting with Kumar was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few are lucky enough to encounter.Kher recounted in vivid detail one unforgettable day on the set when Dilip Kumar arrived in majestic style. Around 11 a.m., a pristine white Mercedes pulled in. The first sight of Kumar was a leg clad in white trousers, slowly stepping out. According to Kher, his presence felt royal and commanding. The star requested tea, which was promptly served in elegant silverware accompanied by biscuits. By the time he had finished, the crew had already broken for lunch. All the while, Kher, in full costume, was eagerly rehearsing, hoping to deliver a performance that would impress the seasoned icon.
" A white Mercedes arrived. One foot stepped out, wearing white trousers, then he emerged, just like a king. He said, 'Bring me tea,' and they served it in a silver kettle with biscuits. By the time he finished, it was lunchtime," he told Filmfare. Post-lunch, the superstar casually mentioned he needed rest. Kher, despite being eager to shoot, respectfully agreed, understanding that Kumar's demeanor commanded silent compliance. At about 3:30 p.m., Kumar decided to call off the day's shoot and proposed to continue the following day. Again, Kher simply nodded. The reverence Kumar evoked was undeniable—he had a quiet but absolute authority. Kher reflected on this, noting that while Kumar completed only around 60 films in a career spanning half a century, he himself had acted in over 545 films in 40 years. Yet Dilip Kumar remained the unmatched king of cinema in Kher's eyes.Despite his commanding aura, Dilip Kumar remained considerate on set. During an appearance on Aap Ki Adalat , Kher shared an incident from the filming of Karma, directed by Subhash Ghai. For a scene, Kher proposed that Kumar slap him for real to enhance authenticity. However, the veteran actor refused, kindly explaining that his strong hands might cause harm. ' Beta, Pathaan ka haath hai, behosh ho jaega, " the star told him. After the scene, Kumar turned to Ghai and praised Kher, saying, "A dangerous actor has arrived. He will go a long way." This comment gave him new confidence. Anupam Kher and Dilip Kumar worked together in four major films—Karma (1986), Kanoon Apna Apna (1989), Izzatdaar (1990), and Saudagar (1991). Though brief, their professional association left an indelible mark on Kher's journey as an actor.