Bollywood Hungama

Mahesh Bhatt pens emotional note for Anupam Kher, recalls their 42-year journey from Saaransh to Ramayana: You make me so, so happy

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has penned a heartfelt note for his longtime friend and actor Anupam Kher, celebrating his journey in cinema and his latest contribution to Ramayana: Part 1 The Rise of the Legend. Kher, who lends his voice to Jatayu in the film, recently shared Bhatts personal letter on Instagram, along with an emotional response expressing his gratitude towards the filmmaker who gave him his first major opportunity in cinema with Saaransh. In his note, Bhatt drew a parallel between Khers portrayal of B. V. Pradhan in Saaransh and his latest role as Jatayu in Ramayana. Reflecting on the actors journey over the years, the filmmaker wrote, From B. V. Pradhan in Saaransh to Jatayu in Ramayana-what a journey. The rise and the rise and the rise of you. I am so happy for you. Bhatt also recalled meeting Kher in Sweden and how the actors demeanour during the visit left an impression on him. He spoke about noticing a change in Khers confidence and the way he interacted with people, before connecting it to a pivotal moment from their first film together. He said, I loved seeing you in Sweden. That experience seems to have entered your body somehow. You look different. I saw the way you shook hands with people-your whole hand, your whole attention given to the person in front of you. You have never looked so sure of yourself, and so free of yourself. It took me back to that old woman in the park in Saaransh. Pradhan has let go of his son Ajay's ashes, and there she is, playing with the children. The way you looked at her. That was your Buddha moment. Life had struck you, and something of that moment has stayed in your eyes, your body, your heart. I saw it again in Sweden. The filmmaker further revisited the early days of their association, recalling the conversations between a young actor and a filmmaker at his Pali Hill home. He reflected on how neither could have anticipated the journey that would follow. I keep thinking of that 28-year-old actor and that 34-year-old filmmaker talking in the compound of my home in Pali Hill. What did we give each other that day? I don't know. I could never have imagined all that would follow, he went on to share. Bhatt concluded the note by expressing his happiness at seeing Kher achieve milestones that he could never have imagined for him at the time. He also highlighted how the actors journey could inspire aspiring performers from smaller towns. You make me so, so happy. I feel the happiness of someone who once held your hand and now watches you go where I could never have taken you. And somewhere, a boy from the hinterland will see you and dare to come here with his own impossible dream. What more can I ask for, Anupam? What more can I ask for?, he signed off. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) Sharing the letter, Kher responded with a message of his own, describing Bhatts words as an extraordinary acknowledgement of his career and their long-standing relationship. He wrote, Dear Bhatt Sahab, I am the happiest man on earth today. Your message came out of the blue yesterday, and I was completely unprepared for it. I read it with a heart full of gratitude and felt deeply humbled. It was like receiving the most beautiful certificate for 42 years of workand the warmest acknowledgement from the person who first opened the doors of cinema for me. You are so much more to me than the director of my first film, Saaransh. You are my mentor, my friend and my teacher. To receive these words from one of the finest directors, writers and authors of our country means more to me than I can express. Thank you for believing in me, for seeing my journey with such generosity, and for being such an important part of my life. I will keep striving to do work that makes you proudand perhaps earn a letter like this from you every now and then. The exchange comes as Khers association with Ramayana: Part 1 The Rise of the Legend introduces him to audiences in the role of Jatayu. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film released in theatres on November 5, 2026, with Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Khers voice performance as the legendary bird adds another notable credit to a career that began with Saaransh in 1984. Bhatts letter, meanwhile, revisits a creative association spanning more than four decades, celebrating not just Khers latest role but also the journey that brought him here. Also Read: Anupam Kher wraps shooting for his 556th film Out of Fashion in Stockholm, calls it a special experience