(JTA) — A veteran Indian actor has withdrawn from a Bollywood movie about the final days of Adolf Hitler’s life.
Anupam Kher, who was set to play Hitler in the movie "Dear Friend Hitler," reportedly dropped out of the production after criticism from his fans. Filming is scheduled to begin in August.
"I had taken up the role as I considered it a challenge, and after carefully monitoring the portrayal of the character. However, considering the ill-will that the project is generating among my fans, I wish to withdraw from it as I respect their sentiments," Anupam told Indo-Asian News Service in an e-mail, the Times of London reported.
First-time Indian director Rakesh Ranjan Kumar said the movie will focus on "Hitler’s love for India and how he indirectly contributed to Indian independence," the newspaper reported.
