Anupam Kher, who was supposed to play the role of Hitler, told Reuters he had decided to withdraw from the film after an outpouring of messages on social networking sites and protests. “Considering the ill-will that the project is generating among my fans, I wish to withdraw from it as I respect their sentiments,” Kher said in a statement released to Reuters. “Dear Friend Hitler” aims to give audiences a glimpse into Hitler’s “insecurities, his charisma, his paranoia and his sheer genius,” according to a statement on the film which will go on floors next month. “I have never been moved by commercial considerations, but I have always respected social opinions,” Kher said.