"He was only choice...": Vikram Bhatt on casting Anupam Kher first time in 'Tumko Meri Kasam'

Mar 04, 2025

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 4 : Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, who is all set to come up with his new directorial 'Tumko Meri Kasam', shared why he thought of casting veteran actor Anupam Kher and how it becomes special for him.
In a conversation with ANI, he said, "I was making horror films...multistarrer films, comedy films so there was nothing specific that suits Kher sahab's talent. When we thought of making 'Tumko Meri Kasam, ' the only name that came to my mind was Kher. I told the producers that he would be part of the project; then only it would be completed. It was the first name, the first choice, and the only choice."
He recalled how the film also marks his work anniversary: "On March 20, 1992, I started my career as a director, and this film is releasing on March 21, exactly 34 years later. It's almost like a work anniversary. "
The life of Dr Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira IVF, a nationwide chain of fertility clinics, loosely inspires the film. Kher shared, " I found it a path-breaking film in terms of its script. When I heard the story of Dr Murdia, that he opened the first IVF clinic in Udaipur, and I came to know he has helped so many people and his life is also inspirational and the way Vikram ji has added element of drama and I admire his technicality so I immediately decided to take up the project."
The film features actors Anupam Kher, Ishwak Singh, Adah Sharma and Esha Deol in key roles.

Actor Ishwak Singh, who plays Dr. Ajay Murdia, opened up about his character and said, "He (Dr. Murdia) is a visionary man who not only achieved so much but also improved the lives of so many people. It's a beautifully arched character, very layered, and emotional story."
Adah added, "It is such a nice story to be part of, especially in today's terms when most people don't stick with each other. This husband and wife are like a team, so it's a beautiful story and a biopic."
The makers unveiled the trailer of the film during an event today.
At the trailer launch, Kher said, "I always wanted to work with Vikram (Bhatt), I think he was waiting for a great story to justify me being in his film, so Ajay Murdia 'se behtar story kya ho sakti hai'. His story is very inspiring not only for the families who he helped but also for anybody who helps in giving life...Vikram is one of the finest directors and human beings with whom I have worked. It is amazing to see how he creates a brilliance..hats off to him and now I found a friend while working with him.."
Bhatt praised Kher for his acting talent and shared, "He has reinvented himself with every film...working with Kher Sahab is like driving an automatic car; you have to just feed in whatever is required, and then it goes on its own, so that is a relief. He also gives good suggestions. I had a great time working with him."
Esha also shared her admiration for the director.
Adah added, "Mahesh Bhatt and Vikram Bhatt give chances to newcomers and treat them like superstars. I think that's the nicest thing ever. I made my debut with Vikram Bhatt's 1920. Before that, I hadn't done anything, but he treated me like a superstar. He speaks with such respect and dignity--not just to me, but to my co-stars as well. I felt like a huge superstar, and it's such a wonderful feeling to begin my career in this way. I am very fortunate to have worked with him."
The makers of the film unveiled the trailer, which starts with Anupam Kher facing murder charges and trying to clear his name. It also shows how Adah supports her husband's dream of starting an IVF clinic while facing societal judgement and comments. The role is played by Iswak. Esha also plays a prominent role in the movie.
Check out the trailer
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGxdlfKNTho/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Interestingly, the movie also marks the debut of Vikram Bhatt as a lyricist.
Last year in August, Kher dropped a glimpse of the mahurat shot of the film Tumko Meri Kasam in which he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mahesh Bhatt.
"I am fortunate that after almost 28 years, my great director of films like Saransh, Daddy, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Janam, and Chahat, #MaheshBhatt Saab, directed me once again for the masterpiece of my 543rd film, Tumko Meri Kasam! All hail! Honoured to be directed by one of the finest directors of Indian cinema for the symbolic Mahurat shot of my 543rd film #TumkoMeriKasam! The film will be directed by #VikramBhatt. Jai Ho! #MagicOfCinema," the post caption read.
'Tumko Meri Kasam' is presented by Mahesh Bhatt, Indira Entertainment, Produced by Indira Entertainment, Shwetambari Bhatt and Krishna Bhatt Sarda are the Project Directors. It features actors Anupam Kher, Ishwak Singh, Adah Sharma and Esha Deol in key roles. Music is by Prateek Walia. The lyrics are by Vikram Bhatt and Shweta Bothra. The music is with Zee. The film will be released on March 21.