Anupam Kher’s IFFI masterclass inspires with lessons on failure

Panaji: Renowned actor Anupam Kher captivated students and delegates at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa with a powerful masterclass on “The Power of Failure,” sharing life lessons drawn from his struggles and triumphs.

A hypnotic masterclass at IFFI 2024

On Day 4 of IFFI 2024, held at Kala Academy, Panaji, Goa, veteran actor Anupam Kher delivered a riveting session that left the audience spellbound. Reflecting on his life journey, Kher described how failure shaped his success, blending personal anecdotes with wit and wisdom. “I think I am the success story of my own failures.”

Inspiration from humble beginnings

Kher shared his early life in Shimla, where he grew up in a single-room household with 14 family members. Despite financial hardships, he recalled the happiness his family cultivated. “When people are too poor, the cheapest thing to them becomes happiness,” he quoted his grandfather, leaving the audience in deep thought.

Failures that built a career

Recounting his first stage performance in Class 5, where he failed to win even a consolation prize, Kher said his father taught him that “Failure is an event, never a person.” He candidly revealed his struggles, including making 27 mistakes in two lines of dialogue in a school play.

When Kher moved to Mumbai as a National School of Drama Gold Medalist, his confidence quickly waned, forcing him to live at Bandra East Railway Station for 27 days. Despite these adversities, he persevered and eventually earned recognition with his breakout role in ‘Saaransh’ (1984), which also brought him to IFFI for the first time.

Turning points and resilience

Kher shared poignant moments from his life, including battling facial paralysis during the filming of ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ and facing bankruptcy in 2004. Each challenge, he said, reinforced his life philosophy, inspired by lessons from his father and grandfather: “NEVER GIVE UP.”

40 years of IFFI: A full circle

Kher celebrated his association with IFFI, marking 40 years since he first attended the festival in 1984 with ‘Saaransh’. His return this year for the masterclass symbolized a journey of resilience and accomplishment.

A message that resonates

With his magnetic personality and thought-provoking reflections, the 68-year-old actor left the audience in awe. His words served as a powerful reminder that setbacks are stepping stones to success, encapsulating the spirit of perseverance that defines both his life and his career.