Anupam Kher

Anupam Kher is a veteran Indian actor, producer, and author whose illustrious career spans more than four decades in Indian and international cinema. Born on March 7, 1955, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, he comes from a modest Kashmiri Pandit family. His early life was marked by financial challenges, but his passion for acting led him to the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, where he honed his craft and developed the versatile acting skills for which he is now renowned.

Kher made his debut in the Hindi film industry with the film Aagman (1982), but it was his powerful performance as a 60-year-old retired man in Saaransh (1984), at the age of just 28, that truly established him as a force in Indian cinema. The role earned him critical acclaim and his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor. Over the years, he has appeared in over 500 films in multiple languages including Hindi, English, Punjabi, Tamil, and Marathi. He is best known for his versatility—playing a wide range of characters from serious roles to comic, negative, and supporting parts with equal ease.

Anupam Kher has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards. Some of his most iconic films include Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Karma (1986), Ram Lakhan (1989), Daddy (1989), Lamhe (1991), and Special 26 (2013). Apart from his Bollywood work, he has also gained recognition in international films such as Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Lust, Caution (2007), and The Big Sick (2017), and in the acclaimed American TV series New Amsterdam.

In addition to acting, Kher has served in significant roles off-screen. He was the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification and the National School of Drama. He also founded “Actor Prepares,” one of India’s premier acting schools. His contribution to cinema and the arts has been recognized with the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016, two of India’s highest civilian honors.

Kher is also an author and motivational speaker. His books, including The Best Thing About You is You! and Your Best Day is Today!, have been widely appreciated for their inspirational content. He continues to be a prominent voice in both cinematic and social spheres, and remains active in the industry, constantly redefining his legacy through impactful roles.