I am a Kashmiri, got the proof of this 1 year ago: Anupam Kher said – I got the certificate of being a Kashmiri after 30 years, waited a lot for this paper.

These days, actor Anupam Kher is promoting his late friend Satish Kaushik's film 'Kaagaj 2'. He will be seen as the lead in the film. Recently, in an interview given to Dainik Bhaskar, Anupam Kher told that after 30 years, he got the proof of his being a Kashmiri last year.

Actually, the story of the film revolves around following what is written on official paper as a citizen. During the conversation, he also shared some memories related to Satish Kaushik. Some highlights of the conversation:

How much do friends miss Satish?

You remember those whom you forget. I never forgot Satish. Even today I feel that he is always around me. Believe me, mental conversations keep happening between us even today. Satish's sudden departure was very shocking for me. We had dinner together two days before he left. Then he was gone forever. Satish had become my habit. It will take me a long time to recover from this or I may never recover.

Today, when I am promoting his film, I feel that he might start scolding me. Satish used to scold me a lot. Especially during the shooting, when he used to direct me. He felt that he would have control over me only when he was directing me. In normal life he had no interest in me at all.

Without him, life is no longer the same. Now I have to live with his memories. 'Kaagaz' was one of his best films. Satish had great faith in this subject. We will promote 'Kaagaz 2' as vigorously as we can.

Have you ever had to fight for your rights?

I am Kashmiri. However, I found proof of this a year ago. My cousin brother sent the document which was a certificate of my being a Kashmiri. We did not get that certificate for 30 years. Now my mother has also got that document. We waited a long time for that paper. Even after years, we are happy that finally we also have a solid document of being Kashmiri. 'Paper' or document matters a lot.

Paper is not only a document but also an emotion for me. Many of my certificates were washed away in the Mumbai floods in 2006. Grandfather used to write letters to me, he also left. I always feel sad about that. Many of my books and letters were washed away. Paper has its own importance. Stress is not necessarily associated with paper. Paper is the feeling that – 'Man, this paper is mine'.

How are Satish taking care of Kaushik's daughter Vanshika?

Vanshika is a very independent girl. She may be small in appearance but she is quite mature. However, it is very difficult to talk about his tragedy in front of him. But, I am ready to do anything for him. I will support him my whole life. She also knows that whenever she needs me, I will always be there for her. That is my responsibility now.

How is your relationship with your son Sikandar?

Actually, my father and I had a very good relationship. We were good friends. I tried to maintain the same relationship with Sikandar also. I think many times a man acts like a father at home. He feels that it is very important to play the role of a father. There is a system in the society which we don't realize when it becomes a reality while acting, when it becomes a habit of acting. I don't act like a father. The relationship between me and Sikandar is more of a friendship than that of father and son.

Directed only one film 'Om Jai Jagdish' in 40 years, any further plans…?

Effort is on. Maybe you will come to know about this soon. (smiling)