By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Sep 9 (IANS): Actor Anupam Kher, who has been occupied with many non-cinema activities, is most excited about 'Power Within', a chain of workshops, which he will start next year to heal, nurture and nurse the human spirit back to health.

"My idea of these spiritual clinics came about when I lectured on the subject of self-actualisation some time ago. So many of us, specially from the small towns, suffer from low self-esteem," Anupam told IANS.

"When I came to Mumbai to become an actor I was made to feel small about everything, from my broken English to my lack of table manners. That's when I realised I don't need people's approval. I need to like myself, be comfortable with my own personality. That's what the 'Power Within' workshops will strive to achieve," he said.

For starters, Anupam will enroll some of his colleagues from the film industry who admit to being low on self-worth.

The chain of workshops will go global after opening in India next year.

Anupam feels his play "Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai" has taught him to value his failures as well as his successes.

An exhibition held Tuesday highlighted one endeavour by a painter to understand the importance of Anupam's failures. "Geeta Dass did not paint me as a hero. She portrayed my failures in the exhibition. That's what I liked," Anupam said.

The chief guest at the exhibition was none other than Amitabh Bachchan.

"I didn't have to ask him more than once. He immediately responded and agreed. What really sets the failures apart from their successes is the way you cope with time and people. Deriving pleasure in making people wait for your response is not a sign of importance. It just shows how small you are in your self-important space," Anupam said.