Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: In Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated directorial Emergency, veteran actor Anupam Kher takes on the pivotal role of Jayaprakash Narayan, the late politician and prominent leader during India’s Emergency era. Both Kangana and Kher recently opened up about their collaboration and the making of the film, which is set to release on January 17.
Kangana, who portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, expressed deep admiration for Kher and his performance. She revealed the centrality of his involvement to the project, stating:
“It was very important for me to have Anupam ji in this film. If he refused to do Emergency, then I wouldn’t have made it. Look at his on-screen personality… there’s honesty on his face. No one can portray the role of Jayaprakash Narayan except him.”
Kher, in turn, praised Kangana’s dedication and direction, calling her “one of the finest filmmakers.” Reflecting on his own experience during the Emergency, he said:
“I was in the National School of Drama in New Delhi when the Emergency was declared. So, I did not have to do much research for the film… also, Kangana had researched on everyone’s behalf. This will be one of the finest films made on any political subject. Kangana does effortless work. She has put so much hard work behind Emergency.”
Kher lauded Kangana’s dual responsibilities of directing and acting, describing her efforts as remarkable:
“To direct the whole film and act as Indira Gandhi isn’t an easy job, but Kangana did it. She is one of the finest directors that I have worked with.”
About Emergency
The film explores the 21-month Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi between 1975 and 1977, a period marked by significant political and social upheaval. Besides Kangana and Kher, the ensemble cast includes Shreyas Talpade and the late Satish Kaushik, making the film a tribute to some of India’s pivotal historical figures.
Release Date: Emergency is set to hit theatres on January 17, promising a gripping political drama that sheds light on one of India’s most controversial chapters.