Highlights:
Veteran actor Anupam Kher says the North American response to his new Hindi play, Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane, has exceeded his expectations, with sold-out shows, standing ovations and even official honors from American cities and states.
The musical comedy-drama, starring Kher and Swaroop Sampat, opened its tour on September 5 to a sold-out show at the Stafford Centre in Houston. It has since played Austin, Dallas, Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles, San Jose, Columbus, Raleigh and Westbury, New York.
"When we set out to take Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane to the US and Canada, I was confident it would do well because we had already performed 10–15 shows in India. But the response across cities in US and Canada has exceeded my expectations," Kher told PTI.
"So many audience members have called it 'India's own Broadway production', which makes me immensely happy and proud of our entire team. To bring a production from India and receive so much love, appreciation and respect is deeply fulfilling," he said.
Where to see it next
The tour heads next to the Washington area, with a show at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, on October 7. Stops follow in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Chicago area, before the tour wraps in Andover, Massachusetts, on October 11. Tickets on listing sites start at around $40. The play is performed in Hindi.
What the play is about
Written and directed by Gajendra Ahire, the play asks how well we really know the people closest to us. It explores relationships, loneliness and companionship. The ensemble cast includes Meghna Malik, Maya Sharma, Vikas Rawat, Shraddha Mandale and Herman D'Souza, and the production marks Sampat's return to the stage after what PTI describes as nearly two decades.
Who are the stars?
American audiences may recognize Kher from Hollywood. He played Robert De Niro's character's therapist in "Silver Linings Playbook," appeared in "Bend It Like Beckham," and starred as Dr. Vijay Kapoor in NBC's "New Amsterdam." In India, he is one of the country's most prolific actors, with a career spanning more than four decades.
Sampat, a former Miss India, is best known to Indian audiences for the classic 1980s sitcom "Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi."
Honors from American officials
Along the way, Kher has received citations from US cities and states.
A recognition from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel said Kher has "captivated audiences through exceptional performances in hundreds of films, earning numerous honors," including India's Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards and National Film Awards. "The State of Ohio is proud to welcome such an extraordinary international artist," it said.
In Cary, North Carolina, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht issued a proclamation highlighting Kher's career of more than 550 films across Indian and international cinema. "The Town of Cary is pleased to welcome Kher to our community and recognize the cultural connection fostered through the performing arts and shared experience of storytelling," it said.
The Town of North Hempstead, New York, which includes Westbury, honored him as "a titan of versatile acting."
"Being personally honoured with proclamations, commendations and other recognitions has made the journey even more special," Kher said.
A reunion with De Niro
While in New York, Kher also met his "Silver Linings Playbook" co-star Robert De Niro.
"Meeting this legend is always a joy, and once again, one of the most special highlights of my trip to America and Canada," Kher wrote on Instagram. "I have the deepest respect for you, both as an actor and a person."
