Anupam Kher, a veteran actor widely recognized for his roles as the quintessential father figure in beloved Bollywood movies such as ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, and ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story’, has recently shared insights on a deeply personal aspect of his life. While Kher has been a fixture in the industry since the 1980s, portraying familial bonds onscreen, it is his off-screen life, particularly his experience of not having a biological child, that he has candidly reflected upon.
In 1985, Anupam Kher married the talented actress Kirron Kher, who was previously wed to Gautam Berry. From her first marriage, Kirron had a son named Sikandar Kher, born in 1981, who eventually embraced Anupam’s surname after his mother remarried. Sikandar, who is following in his parents’ footsteps, also pursued a career in acting.
In an intimate interview with Shubhankar Mishra, Anupam Kher delved into the feelings he sometimes encounters about not having a child of his own. He expressed, “I didn’t feel it that much before, but now sometimes I do feel like it. I think in the last seven-eight years. It’s not that I am not happy with Sikander, but I think it’s a joy to see a child growing up. It’s a joy to observe the bonding process. This is an honest answer. I could have avoided answering this, but I don’t want to do that. But, it’s okay. It’s not a tragedy in my life. But, I sometimes feel it would have been a nice thing.”
The versatile actor, who has been a prominent figure in theater and cinema, revealed that the realization of this void came later in life. He continued, “All this while I was extremely busy working, but after I hit 50-55, I started to feel the void.
. It was mostly because Kirron became busy, and so did Sikander.” He notes that although his life is full, there are moments, especially when surrounded by children through his foundation, The Anupam Kher Foundation, that he feels a fleeting sense of what might have been.
Kher emphasizes, however, that these feelings are not overwhelming or characterized by regret. “I work with kids in my organization. We do a lot of work with children, and sometimes when I see my friends’ children and things like that… I miss having children, but, it’s not a sense of loss.” His words reflect a thoughtful acknowledgment of life’s chapters and the paths not taken.
Despite sharing this deeply personal insight, Anupam Kher maintains a high zest for life and work. His passion for art remains unabated as he continues to inspire many through his films and philanthropic endeavors. Recently, Kher was seen in ‘The Signature’, a film where he portrays Arvind, a husband facing profound challenges when his wife, Ambika (played by Neena Kulkarni), is put on life support. This film explores the emotional depths of love, sacrifice, and resilience, offering his fans yet another nuanced performance.
Directed by Gajendra Ahire and produced by KC Bokadia alongside Anupam Kher Studio, ‘The Signature’ presents a compelling narrative supported by a talented ensemble cast that includes Mahima Chaudhry, Annu Kapoor, and Ranvir Shorey. The film premiered on October 4 on ZEE5, providing audiences with a story that resonates with heartfelt emotions and the trials of conjugal devotion.
Anupam Kher’s reflections on his personal life, combined with his professional achievements, underscore the complexities of life’s journey, where emotional landscapes often parallel the stories depicted onscreen. His openness offers a poignant reminder of the unseen narratives that even the most celebrated figures carry with them, adding layers to the characters they bring to life. As Kher continues his journey, both in cinema and philanthropy, his story serves as a testament to embracing life’s myriad experiences with grace and honesty.
