Anupam Kher, a renowned Indian actor and producer, boasts a remarkable career spanning decades and numerous acclaimed roles. This comprehensive biography delves into his life, career, and various achievements.
Biography/Wiki
Anupam Kher was born on March 7, 1955 (age 69 as of 2024), in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. He completed his schooling at DAV Higher Secondary School, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla, and later graduated in Economics from Government College under Himachal Pradesh University. His college years saw him actively involved in stage dramas, earning him the title of Best Actor at Himachal Pradesh University.
A pivotal moment arrived when he attended a walk-in audition at the Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University, Chandigarh, securing a scholarship of ?200. This marked the beginning of his journey into the world of professional acting.
In 1974, he commenced his drama studies at Panjab University, his initial lesson unexpectedly involving the art of properly pouring tea! After earning a Gold Medal in Theatre, he gained admission to the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, where he shared classes with veteran actor Satish Kaushik.
Following his NSD graduation, Anupam briefly worked as a drama professor at the Bhartendu Drama Centre in Lucknow. On June 3, 1981, he embarked on his acting career in Mumbai, arriving with a mere ?37 in his pocket.
He has also served as chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification and Director of the National School of Drama, though he later resigned from the FTII chairmanship due to international TV commitments.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5’7″
- Weight: 70 kg
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Family, Wife & Caste
Anupam hails from a Kashmiri Pandit family. His father, Pushkarnath Kher, worked as a clerk in the Forest Department, while his mother, Dulari Kher, was a homemaker. He is the elder brother of actor and director Raju Kher.
Anupam’s first marriage to actress Madhumalti Kapoor ended in divorce. He later married his best friend, Kirron Kher, whom he met in a Chandigarh theatre group. Kirron, previously married to a Mumbai businessman, had a son, Sikandar, who is also an actor.
Career
Anupam’s acting debut was in 1982 with the film Aagman. His breakthrough role came in 1984 with Saaransh, where he convincingly portrayed a 60-year-old man despite being only 28 at the time. The success of Saaransh led to a surge in acting offers.
His career flourished with roles in numerous Hindi films, including iconic titles like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Veer-Zaara, and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. He also expanded his acting horizons to Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Chinese, Hollywood, and Punjabi cinema.
Beyond acting, Anupam ventured into television hosting, producing films (including Om Jai Jagadish), and directing. He played notable roles in films like A Wednesday and The Accidental Prime Minister.
Awards/Honors
Anupam Kher has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. His accolades include multiple Filmfare Awards (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Comedian), National Film Awards, and Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards from the Government of India.
| Award | Year | Film/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Best Actor Award | 1984 | Saaransh |
| Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award | 1988 | Vijay |
| Padma Shri | 2004 | Government of India |
| Padma Bhushan | 2016 | Government of India |
| Filmfare Best Comedian Award | 1989 | Ram Lakhan |
Controversies
Anupam Kher has faced several controversies, including criticism for a tweet featuring images of victims of violence in Kashmir and disagreements with other public figures on social media.
His acceptance of the Padma Bhushan award was also met with some criticism and debate online. Other controversies include a legal suit following the release of the film “Accidental Prime Minister”.
Car Collection
Anupam Kher’s car collection includes a BMW and a Mahindra Scorpio.
Assets & Properties
Anupam owns significant assets including jewellery, two apartments in Mumbai, and a mansion gifted to his mother in Shimla.
Salary & Net Worth
Anupam Kher’s net worth and salary details have been reported in the media over the years, though exact figures vary across sources.
Signature
[Space for image of Anupam Kher’s Signature]
Favourite Things
- Food: Fried Prawns in Hunan sauce, Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Rajmah-Chawal, and Chinese Cuisines
- Actors: Robert De Niro and Ranbir Kapoor
- Actress: Vidya Balan
- Politician: Narendra Modi
- Restaurant: Sampan in Mumbai
- Hobbies: Listening to old Hindi songs and reading
- Food Habit: Non-vegetarian
Facts
Several interesting facts about Anupam Kher’s life, including anecdotes from his early acting career and his philanthropic work, highlight his resilience and dedication to his craft and social causes.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish several ventures including the Anupam Kher Foundation, focused on providing education to underprivileged children.
In 2024, his Mumbai office was robbed, resulting in a police report detailing the theft.
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