Anupam Kher portrays Jayaprakash Narayan in ‘Emergency’ |

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, a two-time National Award winner, is preparing to portray the iconic Jayaprakash Narayan in the forthcoming political drama ‘Emergency’. Narayan, often referred to as JP or Lok Nayak, was a pivotal leader during India’s Emergency from 1975 to 1977. He stood at the forefront of the opposition against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, becoming a beacon of hope and resistance for the country.His dedication to preserving democracy was recognized with the Bharat Ratna in 1999 and the Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1965.
Reflecting on his journey and the significance of portraying such an iconic leader, Anupam Kher shared his memories of the 1975 Emergency during a recent promotional event for the film. At that time, the actor was a first-year student at the National School of Drama in Delhi, relatively unaware of the political turmoil engulfing the nation. “I wasn’t very politically aware at the time; I was simply thrilled to have been admitted to drama school. But suddenly, there was this pervasive silence, a shadow that loomed over everything. Jayaprakash Narayan was seen as a ray of hope for the youth and the nation in fighting against the Emergency. He was my hero,” Kher recounted.

The seasoned actor expressed the profound responsibility he felt in doing justice to the role of JP. “Portraying someone like Jayaprakash Narayan requires a deep understanding of the man’s principles and the weight of his legacy. He wasn’t just a politician; he was a beacon of hope for an entire nation. As an actor, it was essential for me to delve into the essence of his character, not just his appearance.” he emphasized.

Anupam Kher also shared his enthusiasm for the role, highlighting how it resonated with him on a personal level. “When Kangana ji informed me that I would be portraying him, I was already keen on playing someone of that stature. Jayaprakash Narayan was the hope of the youth and the nation at the time, and portraying him on screen is a responsibility I take very seriously. It’s essential to remind audiences of these significant figures, as time tends to make us forget our heroes.”
‘Emergency,’ set to release on September 6, 2024, promises to deliver a powerful and intense depiction of one of the most challenging periods in India’s history.