I Just Felt Naked: Anil Kapoor on Shaving Moustache for ‘Lamhe’
Anil Kapoor, the veteran Bollywood actor, has been a part of the Indian film industry for over four decades. With a career spanning numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, Anil Kapoor has earned a reputation for his versatility and dedication to his craft. However, in a recent interview, Anil Kapoor revealed a lesser-known aspect of his acting journey – the shock and discomfort he felt after shaving his moustache for the 1991 film ‘Lamhe’.
In the interview, Anil Kapoor candidly shared his experience of removing his iconic moustache for the first time on screen. “I just felt naked,” he said, recalling the moment. “People were shocked. It was not a very positive reaction.” The reaction was so strong that it left Anil Kapoor feeling vulnerable and exposed.
Anil Kapoor’s moustache had become an integral part of his on-screen persona, a signature feature that had endeared him to audiences in films like ‘Ram Lakhan’ (1989), ‘Tezaab’ (1988), and ‘Mr India’ (1987). Fans had grown accustomed to seeing him with a well-groomed moustache, and it was a part of his charm. So, when he decided to shave it off for ‘Lamhe’, the response was overwhelming.
“People who had loved those films, they felt, ‘No, we want him to look a particular way’,” Anil Kapoor recalled. It was as if his fans were attached to the moustache and couldn’t imagine him without it. The actor acknowledged that the shock and discomfort were understandable, given the strong emotional connection audiences had formed with his character.
Anil Kapoor’s decision to shave his moustache for ‘Lamhe’ was a deliberate choice made to suit the character’s personality and the film’s narrative. The 1991 film, directed by Yash Chopra, was a romantic drama that explored themes of love, loss, and longing. Anil Kapoor played the role of Viren, a suave and charming businessman who falls in love with a young woman (played by Sridevi) with a rare condition that affects her ability to form emotional connections.
While the film received critical acclaim and commercial success, Anil Kapoor’s decision to shave his moustache was a bold one. It required him to step out of his comfort zone and experiment with a new look. The actor’s willingness to take risks and adapt to his character’s requirements is a testament to his dedication to his craft.
In the years following ‘Lamhe’, Anil Kapoor continued to experiment with his looks and characters, taking on diverse roles in films like ‘Bandra Terminus’ (1993), ‘Taal’ (1999), and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008). His willingness to take creative risks and push his boundaries has been a hallmark of his career, earning him praise and recognition from critics and audiences alike.
Anil Kapoor’s candid admission about feeling naked after shaving his moustache serves as a reminder of the challenges and vulnerabilities that actors face in their profession. It also highlights the importance of taking risks and being willing to adapt to new situations and characters. As an actor, Anil Kapoor has consistently demonstrated his ability to evolve and grow, both on and off screen.
In conclusion, Anil Kapoor’s experience of shaving his moustache for ‘Lamhe’ serves as a fascinating insight into the world of acting and the creative process. It is a reminder that even the most iconic and beloved actors can face challenges and uncertainties, and that the willingness to take risks and adapt is essential to their growth and success.
