Anupam Kher on Manmohan Singh film: ‘This film deserves Oscar nomination’

The trailer of the much-anticipated political drama, The Accidental Prime Minister, starring Anupam Kher as the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released on Thursday. The film traces the journey of Manmohan Singh throughout the time he was in power. The trailer has received huge criticism from the Congress party over ‘incorrect presentation of the facts.’

The film shows Manmohan Singh dealing with pressures from Congress leadership – Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The veteran actor, has defended the timing of the film saying, ‘’if a film is about the government and the prime minister, it makes perfect sense to release it before elections.’’

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Anupam Kher said, "The film is based on a book written by the media adviser to the prime minister. The book has been in the public domain for four years and nobody has objected to it. The project was announced two years ago, and every newspaper wrote about my look. The film has also got the censor board stamp.’’

"Of the 500-odd films that I have done, this has been the most difficult role. I have put my life into it so these protests are upsetting," the actor said.

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According to Kher, the film should be  India's entry to the Oscars and he should be nominated for his performance. "Everybody who has been seen the trailer is saying 'Wow you look exactly like Manmohan Singh'. Even my mother didn't recognise me. But nobody is talking about that. So those who are protesting should suggest my name for the Oscars, for being so close to Dr Manmohan Singh. Such portrayals are awarded the world over. Daniel Day-Lewis got it for Lincoln, Meryl Streep for her performance as Margaret Thatcher, Ben Kingsley got it for Gandhi..." he said.

In an earlier interview talking aboout his role, Anupam had said, "Acting the role of anyone in contemporary history is extremely challenging, as comparisons are bound to be instant and inevitable. But as I have always revelled in challenges, right from my first film Saaransh, I look forward to the experience of portraying PM Manmohan Singh.''

Read | The Accidental Prime Minister Trailer: Anupam Kher delivers a powerful performance as Manmohan Singh

Meanwhile talking about the film, Akshaye Khanna plays Sanjaya Baru who was the media advisor of Manmohan Singh. While German actor Suzanne Bernert plays Sonia Gandhi, Aahana Kumara will be seen as Priyanka Gandhi. Arjun Mathur plays Rahul Gandhi in The Accidental Prime Minister. The film is helmed by debutant Vijay Ratnakar Gutte.