‘The Accidental Prime Minister’: Why Anupam Kher Almost Turned Down The Role Of Manmohan Singh

Mumbai: Anupam Kher played the role of Manmohan Singh in the 2019 film ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’. But not many know that the actor had rejected the role initially.

The veteran actor paid heartfelt tribute to the two-term Prime Minister, who passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday night, and also shared how he prepared for the role and why he had almost turned down the offer.

Directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte, ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ was based on the 2014 memoir of the same name by Sanjaya Baru. It delved on the making and unmaking of India’s 13th Prime Minister, who headed the coalition UPA government from 2004 to 2014.

Anupam posted a detailed video message on Instagram, sharing his thoughts on Singh as a person and a leader.

Describing Singh as ‘gentle, bright, brilliant and kind,’ Anupam speaks at depth on his experience of preparing for the role in the political drama.

“To portray a character truthfully, you have to go inside the person. Dr Manmohan was inherently a good man, gentle, bright, brilliant, and kind.” Says Anupam.

When the film was first offered to him, Anupam rejected it for various reasons, including political concerns. But once he changed his mind and the film was completed, Anupam was satisfied to have done justice to his character.

“I thought people might think I did it to mock him,” he explains.

“If you see The Accidental Prime Minister, you’ll discover I tried to imbibe all his qualities — his brilliance, kindness, and humility. When the film was finally made, I was very happy that I did justice to it. The subject may be controversial, but the man was not. He was very generous and kind with his praise for my work. I will miss the man with the blue turban,” Anupam says in the video.

“The nation has lost a very honest human being and a great leader,” he added.

Anupam wrote alongside the video: “Deeply saddened to know about the demise of former #PrimeMinister of India #DrManmohanSingh! Having studied him for more than a year for the movie #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister, it felt that I actually spent that much time with him. He was inherently a good man. Personally completely honest, great economist and a very humble person. Some can say may be not an astute politician! My heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”

Watch the video here: