I love Odia people, says Anupam Kher

Bhubaneswar: Bollywood actor and Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) chairman Anupam Kher was in the city to inaugurate the 3rd edition of Kalinga International Film Festival. In a one-on-one with Odisha Sun Times, he spoke about Odisha, its people and the road ahead for FTII.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: What do you love the most about Odisha?
A: People. I love Odia people. Such welcoming, with smiles on their faces. It is amazing! Especially the children at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences standing there to meet me was the best thing about today. Felt extremely good.

Q: You played the role of a professor who proudly boasts about being from Rourkela and reminiscences his Durga Puja days. Have you ever been here in Odisha during puja?
A: No, I haven’t been here during Puja but I have been to Kolkata and other places. I used to love the celebrations in Shimla. It is a quiet and serene place. 

Q: What are your visions as FTII chairman?
A: Plenty! There are a lot of visions and plans and I definitely wish to bring a positive change and do my best.

He seemed overwhelmed with people embracing him and letting him in with so much warmth and affection. He mentioned the same in his speeches and about his experiences in cinema. His humble and polite approach towards everyone was pretty evident in the way he interacted.