I could never take you this far: Mahesh Bhatt on Anupam Kher's journey to Ramayana

Actor Anupam Kher received a heartfelt message from filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who looked back at their 42-year-long association and reflected on the actor's journey from Saaransh to playing Jatayu in Ramayana. Calling Kher's journey one of constant growth, Bhatt said he was happy to see how far the actor had come.Kher shared the filmmaker's message on social media, along with a long note expressing his gratitude. The actor said the unexpected letter felt like a special acknowledgement of his 42 years in cinema, particularly because it came from the man who gave him his first opportunity in films.In his message, Bhatt recalled Kher's debut as BV Pradhan in the 1984 film Saaransh and drew a comparison with his latest role as Jatayu in Ramayana. He wrote, "From B. V. Pradhan in Saaransh to Jatayu in Ramayana-what a journey. The rise and the rise and the rise of you. I am so happy for you."Bhatt also spoke about seeing Kher in Sweden and how the actor appeared more confident and at ease with himself. He recalled observing the way Kher interacted with people, giving them his complete attention. The filmmaker then went back to a particular scene in Saaransh, in which Kher's character, BV Pradhan, has let go of his son Ajay's ashes and watches an old woman playing with children in a park.Recalling Kher's performance in the scene, Bhatt described it as the actor's "Buddha moment". He wrote, "Life had struck you, and something of that moment has stayed in your eyes, your body, your heart. I saw it again in Sweden."Bhatt also remembered their first meeting at his home in Pali Hill, when Kher was 28 and he was 34. Reflecting on how that conversation eventually led to a long professional and personal association, the filmmaker said he could never have imagined what would follow.He ended the letter by saying that Kher's journey could inspire another young actor from a small town to come to Mumbai with a dream of making it in cinema.Responding to the message, Kher said he was "the happiest man on earth" and admitted that he was completely unprepared for the filmmaker's words."Your message came out of the blue yesterday, and I was completely unprepared for it. I read it with a heart full of gratitude and felt deeply humbled. It was like receiving the most beautiful certificate for 42 years of work—and the warmest acknowledgement from the person who first opened the doors of cinema for me," he wrote.The actor also described Bhatt as much more than the director of his first film, calling him his mentor, friend and teacher. He thanked the filmmaker for believing in him and acknowledging his journey.Kher signed off by promising to continue working hard and making Bhatt proud. He also added, with affection, that he hoped to receive a letter like this from him every now and then.Anupam Kher made his film debut with Mahesh Bhatt's Saaransh in 1984. His portrayal of a 65-year-old retired teacher in the film earned him widespread appreciation and remains one of the most memorable performances of his career. Anupam Kher has lent his voice to Jatayu in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Rise of a Legend. Published By: shweta keshriPublished On: Nov 12, 2026