Veteran actor Anupam Kher unveiled the first look of his portrayal as Mahatma Gandhi in Vivek Agnihotri’s upcoming film The Bengal Files during his appearance on Rajat Sharma’s show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, to be telecast tonight at 10pm on India TV.

Kher, who described the opportunity as a “dream role for any actor,” revealed the intense preparation that went into playing the Father of the Nation. “I had to toil hard for one year. I gave up non-veg food and alcohol since last August to internalise Gandhi’s persona,” he said. The film, titled The Bengal Files: Right to Live, explores the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and Noakhali riots, and is slated to release on September 5. Alongside Kher, the film features Mithun Chakraborty, Puneet Issar, and Vatsal Seth as Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Addressing criticism of Agnihotri’s previous film The Kashmir Files, Kher fiercely defended the project, saying, “There can’t be people more ‘ghatiya’ than those who called The Kashmir Files propaganda. That film only showed 10% of what truly happened to Kashmiri Pandits.”

Kher also spoke about his upcoming emotional drama ‘Tanvi The Great’, releasing July 18. In it, he plays Colonel Pratap Raina, the father of a spirited 21-year-old autistic girl who dreams of joining the Indian Army. The film, which was screened for President Droupadi Murmu, Army Chief, and NDA cadets, received standing ovations at Cannes, London, and New York film festivals.

“Tanvi’s story is not just inspiring, it moves you. It’s a film from the heart, for those with a heart,” said Kher, recalling the emotional reactions from army generals and actor Robert De Niro, who attended the screening in New York.

In his trademark wit, Kher recounted his younger days in Mumbai, revealing he once chased camels at Juhu beach hoping to collect their urine, believing it could cure his baldness. “Mujhe kya pata oont 3-4 din mein susu karta hai! (I didn’t know a camel urinates once every 3-4 days),” he joked, adding that despite multiple remedies failing, it was Mahesh Bhatt who gave him his break in Saaransh. “Jo nahi hota hai, woh hota hai,” he reflected.

Kher shared intimate memories of his father, who worked as a clerk and was his biggest fan. He revealed how his father kept a sandook filled with newspaper clippings, cards, and memorabilia. Holding back tears, Kher described his father’s final moment — too weak to write but mustering strength to whisper ‘Live Life’, his last message to Kher.

He also revealed that his mother Dulari, now a social media favourite, became popular after he started filming her videos. “She’s more famous than me now — people stop her at temples and vegetable shops,” he smiled. ‘Dulari Rocks!’

Reflecting on his unconventional journey, Kher joked, “Meri jawaani kisi ne dekhi nahi” (No one saw my youth), referencing the senior roles he played from a young age. He recounted acting as the father of Hema Malini, Rishi Kapoor, and Madhuri Dixit, adding, “People might leave lovers or husbands, but they never forget fathers.”

Kher shared heartfelt stories of working with legends like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. From Kumar calling him a “dangerous actor” to Big B teaching him how not to feel heat on set — each interaction, Kher said, was a life lesson.

Catch the full episode of ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ with Anupam Kher tonight at 10 pm  on India TV. Repeat telecasts will air on Sunday at 10 am and 10 pm.