Panaji: Actor and filmmaker Anupam Kher spoke about the deeply personal nature of his latest directorial project, Tanvi the Great, as the film featured at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panjim on Saturday.
Kher said the story has strong emotional ties to events in his own life and family, making the film especially meaningful for him as a creator. Reflecting on the film’s themes, he addressed perceptions surrounding autism. “We often think the opposite of ‘normal’ is ‘abnormal’, but the opposite of normal can also be ‘extraordinary’,” he said.
He added that he has grown increasingly inclined toward narratives that explore empathy, resilience and personal transformation. Kher said he hopes to continue working on films that “touch the core of human emotions and inspire people to bring positive, meaningful change.”
Shubhangi Dutt, who plays the lead role, shared her experience working before the camera for the first time. She described Kher as a “strict teacher,” praising his discipline and clarity as a director. She said his guidance strengthened her performance and helped her realise her own artistic strengths.
Shubhangi said she hopes to explore diverse roles and engage in storytelling that challenges her craft and contributes to impactful cinema.
