Anupam Kher, Actor
Actor

Anupam Kher

Born 7 March 1955 · Himachal Pradesh

Acted in over 540 Hindi films, winning two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards.

Anupam Kher is an Indian actor, director and producer who works primarily in Hindi cinema. In a career spanning over four decades, he has acted in more than 540 films. A veteran of Indian cinema, Kher is recipient of two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards for his acting performances. Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contribution to Indian cinema and arts.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Anupam Kher is the only actor to win the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role five times, a record unmatched in Bollywood.

The Story

1
🎬 In 1984, Anupam Kher debuted in Mahesh Bhatt's film Saaransh, portraying an elderly father, a role that won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor and launched his prolific career with over 540 films acted in.
2
🎭 By 1989, Kher had won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Ram Lakhan, marking his rise as a versatile actor capable of both intense and humorous roles.
3🏆 His supporting role in Vijay (1988) earned him the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award, confirming his prominence in Hindi cinema throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
4In 2004, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2016, recognizing his sustained contributions to Indian arts and cinema.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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National Film Award for Best Actor

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1984, Kher won the Filmfare Best Actor Award for his debut film Saaransh, where he played an elderly father, an uncommon age role for a newcomer at the time.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Anupam Kher was born into a Kashmiri Pandit family in Shimla, then part of the Patiala and East Punjab States Union.
1955
⚡
Career
Film Debut in Saaransh
Kher made his acting debut in Mahesh Bhatt's drama Saaransh, winning the Filmfare Best Actor Award for his role as an elderly father.
1984
🏅
Award
Filmfare Award for Comic Role
He won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Ram Lakhan, cementing his reputation in comedic acting.
1989
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Career
Chairman of Central Board of Film Certification
Kher took charge as Chairman of the Indian film censor board, influencing film certification policies.
2003
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Shri
The Government of India honored Kher with the Padma Shri for his contributions to Indian cinema.
2004
🏅
Award
Received Padma Bhushan
Kher received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India, recognizing his impact on arts and cinema.
2016
🏅
Award
Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy
He was awarded an honorary doctorate by Hindu University of America for Philosophy of Hindu Studies.
2021
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 06
🔍LESSER KNOWN

He served as Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification and the National School of Drama between 2001 and 2004, roles that placed him at the helm of India's cinematic and theatrical regulatory bodies.

02 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 2021, Anupam Kher received an honorary doctorate in Philosophy of Hindu Studies from the Hindu University of America, reflecting his engagement with cultural and philosophical studies.

03 / 06
💡SURPRISING

He has acted in more than 540 films across multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Chinese, and Punjabi, demonstrating unprecedented linguistic and cultural versatility.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Anupam Kher’s Biggest Audience Interview With Arnab on LEGENDS | Republic Exclusive LIVE
More from this archive
Anupam Kher’s Biggest Audience Interview With Arnab on LEGENDS | Republic Exclusive LIVE
01
Anupam Kher’s Biggest Audience Interview With Arnab on LEGENDS | Republic Exclusive LIVE
Anupam Kher in Aap Ki Adalat: ‘आप की अदालत’ में अनुपम खेर ने सुनाई अपने संघर्ष से सफलता की कहानी
02
Anupam Kher in Aap Ki Adalat: ‘आप की अदालत’ में अनुपम खेर ने सुनाई अपने संघर्ष से सफलता की कहानी
The Coolest Anupam Kher Interview Ever?
03
The Coolest Anupam Kher Interview Ever?
Anupam Kher Unfiltered: National Awards, Satish Kaushik, SRK, Akshay & Bollywood Journey | Podcast
04
Anupam Kher Unfiltered: National Awards, Satish Kaushik, SRK, Akshay & Bollywood Journey | Podcast
'आप की अदालत' में इमोशनल हुए #anupamkher ? | #aapkiadalat #rajatsharma #indiatv
05
'आप की अदालत' में इमोशनल हुए #anupamkher ? | #aapkiadalat #rajatsharma #indiatv
Anupam Kher Reveals How His UNUSUAL Address Caught Dev Anand's Attention! 😂 A Classic Anecdote
06
Anupam Kher Reveals How His UNUSUAL Address Caught Dev Anand's Attention! 😂 A Classic Anecdote
Anupam Kher in Aap Ki Adalat LIVE | Personal Life, Career & Struggle, Tanvi the Great | Rajat Sharma
07
Anupam Kher in Aap Ki Adalat LIVE | Personal Life, Career & Struggle, Tanvi the Great | Rajat Sharma
Anupam Kher in Aap Ki Adalat LIVE: रजत शर्मा के सवालों के कठघरे में अनुपम खेर? | Rajat Sharma
08
Anupam Kher in Aap Ki Adalat LIVE: रजत शर्मा के सवालों के कठघरे में अनुपम खेर? | Rajat Sharma
Anupam Kher's 'People' With Paresh Rawal | Exclusive Interview
09
Anupam Kher's 'People' With Paresh Rawal | Exclusive Interview
Anupam Kher's 'People' With Akshay Kumar | Exclusive Interview
10
Anupam Kher's 'People' With Akshay Kumar | Exclusive Interview

🌱 What changed because of them

Anupam Kher transformed the portrayal of supporting and comic roles in Indian cinema, elevating them to critical acclaim and popular appeal, which influenced casting trends and narrative styles. His leadership at the National School of Drama and the Central Board of Film Certification helped shape institutional standards in Indian performing arts and film regulation. His international roles also helped bridge Indian cinema with global audiences, enhancing cross-cultural cinematic exchange.

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