Actor Anupam Kher says he couldn’t care less about adverse reviews to his latest film “The Accidental Prime Minister”, based on former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh’s life. “No matter what you do, there will be people trying to pull you down. Criticism was always a favourite national pastime. Now film criticism has also become a big source of self-entertainment for Indians. I don’t take criticism or the film criticism to heart. Finally, it is just one man or woman’s opinion. And I’ve seen enough glowing and glowering reviews in my career to take both in my stride,” Anupam said before leaving for a three-month trip abroad. What has surprised Anupam quite a bit is the scathing criticism levelled at his portrayal of Singh. “It seems some critics have a much larger political agenda than what I am supposed to have. The comments are uncalled for and irrelevant. I wanted to portray Dr. Manmohan Singh with the dignity and grace that he deserves. And I think I’ve succeeded in that. Grant me at least that bit of experience and wisdom as actor,” he said. Published in Daily Times, January 14th 2019.