Anupam Kher, the renowned Producer, Director, and Writer with an impressive career spanning over four decades, is delighted to share insights about his latest literary endeavour, his fourth book titled “Different, but No Less.” This poignant work serves as a heartfelt celebration of courage, hope, and the indomitable human spirit. At the core of the narrative lies the inspiring journey of a young autistic girl, who is the central figure in the film Tanvi the Great. This remarkable protagonist defies societal limitations, illuminating a distinctive brilliance that challenges conventional perceptions of capability. Through this book, Kher offers readers an intimate behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process that brought the film Tanvi the Great to life. It’s not just a story; it’s a tribute to resilience and an exploration of the extraordinary potential that exists within every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

In an exclusive in-depth conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Anupam Kher sheds light on his recent literary work.

There was no plan to write the book while making Tanvi the Great. It happened because I hit a roadblock at the beginning of the film.

Talking about Different, but No Less, Kher says, “My books are an extension of how I deal with my life. While I was making Tanvi the Great, there were some issues coming up. The only way to deal with them was to pen down my thoughts. When you pen down your thoughts with a sense of humour, no problem looks bigger. It becomes easier, and motivational too. All four books that I have written are an extension of my own way of dealing with tough situations. Different, but No Less is because the protagonist in our film is autistic. I was thinking how the mother would tell her daughter that she is different, but no less. The film is about the superpower of autism. I am pleasantly happy that a lot of people read such self-help books. I am happy to say that all four of my books have done well. ”

If the first page of a book does not hold my attention, I do not read that book. So as an author, I make sure the attention span of the reader stays with it when I write.

Ask him whether the book and the film happened at the same time, and he says, “There was no plan to write the book while making the film. It happened because I hit a roadblock at the beginning of the film with respect to the finances. Whenever I go through a tough situation, I speak into a dictaphone and laugh about it. So when I faced this situation, the idea hit me about writing my experience in a book. The book is about never giving up. I used to write even while shooting, during the breaks.”

On his betterment as an author, Kher avers, “I am at much more ease now when compared to my first book. When I wrote my first, I was trying to craft my book. In this book, I am saying what needs to be said. The best education comes from the simplest lessons.”

Ask him about his motto while writing, and he is quick to say, “If I were to read the book, I would ask myself whether it is interesting. I am the first reader of my book. I think whether it makes any sense to me, is it preachy, etc. If I pick up any book, if the first page does not hold my attention, I do not read that book. So as an author, I make sure the attention span of the reader stays with it when I write.”

Anupam Kher never expected himself to be known as an author. Today, as he receives accolades for his fourth piece of writing, he says with gratitude, “Being called an author is a big bonus. I am a planned actor, but I had never thought of writing a book. With four books down the line, I must say that it is a big bonus.”

On his ideas for the future, Kher explains, “I am right now going to travel to various countries. I have an idea about the course of life. I have devised a physical course for people to discover themselves. That will be announced shortly. That course will be based on the books I have written. I don’t carry the burden of Anupam Kher on my shoulder; that is why I am always light and can fly higher.”