Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 26: Veteran actor and filmmaker Anupam Kher has announced his return to Bengali cinema after a gap of 26 years, revealing that his production house will back a new Bengali feature film titled Shuru Theke Shuru.
Making the announcement at a media interaction, Kher said the project marks a special homecoming to an industry that has played a significant role in shaping his artistic sensibilities. The film will be produced by Anupam Kher Studio in collaboration with Friends Communication and producer Firdausul Hassan.
Speaking about the new venture, Kher said, “Anupam Kher Studio is producing a Bengali film after 26 years with Friends Communication and Mr. Firdausul Hassan. We are here to officially announce it. Twenty-six years ago, we made Bariwali with Rituparno Ghosh, and now we are returning with another Bengali film. We also want to establish an acting school here.”
The veteran actor added that he had received encouraging support from the West Bengal government and expressed optimism about the future of the state's film industry.
“The Chief Minister has extended her good wishes and wants to bring positive changes. She wants to take Bengal to the next level, and I believe that is possible. Our film is titled Shuru Theke Shuru, which means ‘Start from the Beginning.’ We too want to begin afresh, and we seek everyone's support,” he said.
Reflecting on Bengal's immense contribution to Indian art and culture, Kher said the region has been a source of inspiration for generations of filmmakers and artists.
“We have learned so much from this film industry—whether it is music, cinema, Manikda, Mrinal Sen or literary giants like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. We owe a great deal to Bengal, and through this film, we want to pay our respects and contribute to its cinematic legacy,” he remarked.
Kher's previous Bengali production, Bariwali, was directed by the late Rituparno Ghosh and starred Kirron Kher, Roopa Ganguly and Chiranjeet Chakraborty in pivotal roles. The critically acclaimed film earned Kirron Kher the National Film Award for Best Actress, becoming one of the landmark works in Bengali cinema of its time.
With Shuru Theke Shuru, Anupam Kher hopes to strengthen his long-standing association with Bengali cinema while also contributing to the development of young acting talent through the proposed acting school.