Veteran actor Anupam Kher says his 501st film, Hotel Mumbai, celebrates real-life heroes, and taught him to value humanity. In the Anthony Maras-directed movie, Kher features in the role of Hemant Oberoi, the celebrated chef of the hotel who was instrumental in saving the lives of many stuck in the Taj Hotel on the night of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.

The movie, based on the 2009 documentary Surviving Mumbai, also stars Indian-British actor Dev Patel. "The film celebrates the real-life heroes and how they were able to discover their own courage. Sometimes you discover your own courage in a situation like this. As actors, we are widely celebrated. But these are the heroes who need to be in the spotlight. This film made me learn the biggest lesson of my life — to value humanity above all. It’s been 35 amazing years for me in this great industry. I have had the fortune of working in impeccable films, and with equally impeccable talent.