Birth Date:07 March 1955
About Me
Anupam Kher: The Versatile Veteran of Indian and International Cinema
Anupam Kher is a name that resonates with unparalleled versatility and a remarkable acting career spanning over four decades. A veteran of both Hindi and international cinema, Kher has portrayed an extraordinary range of characters, from the lovable father to the menacing villain and everything in between. His journey is a testament to his dedication, talent, and passion for the craft of acting.
Biography: A Journey from Shimla to Hollywood
Born on March 7, 1955, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Anupam Kher's early life was rooted in a humble Kashmiri Pandit family. After studying at D.A.V. School in Shimla, he pursued a degree in economics before dropping out to chase his dream of becoming an actor. He graduated from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi in 1978, a foundational experience that honed his skills and prepared him for the challenging world of cinema.
After a period of struggle in Mumbai, Kher got his breakthrough role in the Mahesh Bhatt-directed film Saaransh (1984). At the age of just 29, he flawlessly portrayed a 65-year-old retired man, a performance that earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor and instantly established him as a serious and powerful performer. He married actress Kirron Kher in 1985.
A Storied Filmography: Roles That Define a Legacy
Anupam Kher's filmography is vast and diverse, featuring over 500 films in various languages. He has won numerous accolades, including two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards. His ability to inhabit a character completely, whether in a leading, supporting, or even a cameo role, has made him one of the most respected actors in the industry.
Notable Roles & Film Highlights:
- Saaransh (1984): His career-defining debut, which showcased his incredible talent and maturity as an actor from the very beginning.
- Karma (1986): A standout performance as the ruthless terrorist Dr. Dang, proving his capability in negative roles. His famous dialogue "Dr. Dang ko aaj bhi goli ki awaaz se darr nahi lagta" is iconic.
- Ram Lakhan (1989): A complete shift to comedy, earning him his first Filmfare Award for Best Comedian. This marked the beginning of his successful run in comic roles.
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995): As the witty and supportive father, Dharamvir Malhotra, he created a memorable character that resonated with audiences worldwide.
- Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara (2005): A powerful and critically acclaimed performance as a retired professor suffering from dementia, which he also produced.
- A Wednesday! (2008): His subtle yet impactful performance as a police commissioner won him widespread critical acclaim.
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012): This Oscar-winning film brought him international recognition for his role as Dr. Patel.
- The Kashmir Files (2022): His portrayal of Pushkar Nath Pandit, a Kashmiri Pandit, was hailed as one of the most powerful and emotional performances of his career, earning him a nomination for Best Actor at the Filmfare Awards.
Kher's filmography also includes memorable international projects like Bend It Like Beckham (2002) and Hotel Mumbai (2019), showcasing his appeal to a global audience. Beyond acting, he has directed the film Om Jai Jagadish (2002) and is the founder of the acting school Actor Prepares, which has trained a new generation of talent. His journey from a small town in Himachal to becoming a celebrated global actor is a true source of inspiration.
