"‘Tanvi the Great’ is a film made by good-hearted people," says actor-director Anupam Kher

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has directed, produced, and acted in Tanvi the Great, an emotional and inspiring film that showcases the determined journey of an autistic girl. The film stars newcomer Shubhangi Dutt in the lead role. Seasoned actors like Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, and Iain Glen also play significant roles. The film was released in theatres on July 18, 2025. Recently, Anupam Kher shared insights about the film in an interview. Here are the key excerpts...

• What was the core idea behind making Tanvi the Great? Why did you choose to direct and produce it as well?

When a story comes straight from the heart, you have to embrace it with full sincerity. If something touches your soul, then it’s worth taking the risk. I decided to produce this film because sometimes, when you want to tell your story in your own way, not everyone aligns with your vision, especially when you’re making a big film with a newcomer and eight songs. I’m glad I wasn’t alone. A team of 240 dedicated people — brilliant technicians and actors — believed in me. This film was given wings — from the Cannes Film Festival to London, New York, Pune, and now we're screening it for the Army Chief and his officers.

• When and how did the idea for this story come to you?

I hadn’t directed a film in 23 years because, as an actor, I was constantly reinventing myself. I felt I shouldn’t direct again unless I had something truly meaningful to say. The inspiration came from my niece, Tanvi, who is autistic. At a wedding, I saw her standing alone, staring at a mountain. I asked her, “What are you looking at?” and she replied, “I’m looking at my world.” That sentence touched me deeply. I couldn’t understand her world, and she couldn’t explain it — and that’s where the foundation for this film was laid.

• How and why did you choose newcomer Shubhangi for the lead role?

I wanted the film to retain freshness and honesty, so instead of casting a well-known actress, I chose a new face. During a masterclass at my acting school, Shubhangi moved me with her depth during a "Rebirth Exercise" (a process to discover a new version of oneself). After six months of practice and improvisation, she proved her talent. We even kept her off social media so that audiences could be genuinely surprised when they saw her on screen.

• We’ve talked about Tanvi. How did you cast the rest of the actors?

I had Arvind Swami in mind for this film from the beginning. Boman Irani was my first choice for the role of Raja Sahab, the music teacher. When I played a song from the film for Jackie Shroff, he was moved to tears and said, “I want to be part of this film.” So we wrote a character specifically for him. Iain Glen, known for Game of Thrones, has portrayed a strong character in the film. Pallavi Joshi plays Tanvi’s mother, and Karan Tacker plays the father. One of the most special things is that when I faced financial difficulties, Arvind, Boman, Jackie, and Pallavi agreed to work without charging a fee. They said, “We didn’t ask for anything.” These aren’t just actors — they’re kind-hearted people. This film is made by a team of genuinely good souls.

• Did the success of your debut film Saaransh make the journey ahead easier or more difficult?

Saaransh gave me a strong foundation, but when people call your very first work “the best,” the bar is set high, and it becomes even more challenging to surpass. I’ve always relied on hard work. In the past 40 years, I’ve worked in over 500 films, yet the experience of Saaransh was never repeated. I hope Tanvi the Great becomes a similarly transformative experience for Shubhangi.

• Looking back, which achievement feels the biggest?

Honestly, I don’t look back. Yes, I feel proud of all that I’ve achieved, but I don’t carry it as a burden on my shoulders. If I did, I probably wouldn’t have been able to tell a story like Tanvi the Great.
I always look to the future. Even now, I want this film to become the best in the world — because it’s not just built with hard work, but with soul.

• What are your future dreams and plans?

There’s a lot I still want to do. I don’t take myself too seriously, but I take my work very seriously. I’m quite ambitious. From the music of Tanvi the Great to its script and performances, everything has been crafted with immense effort. Kausar Munir has written the lyrics, which are truly remarkable. This film isn’t just for India — it’s from India, for the world.

• What message will this film deliver to the audience?

This film celebrates goodness, truth, and the power of hope. It will remind audiences that every individual has something special — all we need is a shift in perspective.

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