Anupam Kher: The embodiment of range and reinvention!

On Anupam Kher's birthday, let's take a look at how the iconic actor adapted and reinvented himself on screen over the decades. 

Anupam Kher believes in the philosophy of 'Kuch bhi ho sakta hai' (Anything is possible) and his life has been a great example of it. In a career spanning over four decades, he took on various roles that testified to his range and versatility as an artist. His career is the epitome of talent, resilience, and adaptability but most importantly, bold choices!

Right from the onset Kher made it clear that he's a force to be reckoned with. He announced his arrival with Saaransh in 1984, where he played the role of a 70-year-old coming to terms with the loss of his only son and dealing with the corrupt system. His portrayal of an aging and broken B.V. Pradhan was lauded as ‘immortal’ by the critics. His near-perfect performance transformed the film into a deeply personal, profound, and poignant experience for the audience. The film failed commercially, however, it was India’s official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (1985). 

Also Read: Reema Kagti - A force to be reckoned with

Critical acclaim aside, the harsh truth of the industry remains that an actor’s success is gauged by the number of hit films against their name. Hence, Kher went on to showcase his range by taking on diverse roles in mainstream Bollywood films, especially the negative ones. His characters in films like Karma (1986), Tezaab (1988), and Chaalbaaz (1989) made him a household name. His portrayal of the ruthless Dr. Dang in Karma gave audiences chills. It is a well-known fact that Kher was given this role owing to his stylish walk when director Subhash Ghai saw him leaving a party. The actor, though in his salad days, made his presence impactfully felt despite the film’s stellar ensemble cast featuring Dilip Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, and Sridevi. Even in his scenes opposite a maestro like Kumar, he was nowhere to be overshadowed. Infact his heated exchanges with Kumar’s character became a rage back in the day.  

During this phase, Kher also gained recognition for supporting roles, in films like Vijay (1988), Aakhri Rasta (1986) Insaaf ki Awaaz (1986) and Sansar (1987) to name a few. Vijay failed to be a commercial success, however it bagged Kher a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. Sansar, starring Rekha and Raj Babbar, and Aakhri Rasta headlined by Amitabh Bachchan did well at the box office. His character Mahesh Shandaliya, the most trusted ally of Bachchan’s character David in Aakhri Rasta, moved the audience with his layered performance depicting both, comedy and intense emotional scenes with ease and sincerity.

In the 1990s, Kher became a recurring face in Bollywood family dramas and comedies. He often played the adorable and understanding father figures that the audience fell completely in love with. Classics like Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994) Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) where he played the cool and affable dad, making him a family favourite. The way he helps and celebrates Shah Rukh Khan in every step of his life in DDLJ and the kind of loving relationship he has with Madhuri Dixit in HAHK or the way he raises Rani Mukherjee in KKHH, won hearts of millions! 

The 2000s saw Kher take up roles that were politically charged or had a flavor of social commentary or satire. Khosla ka Ghosla (2006) and Special 26 (2013) offered a satirical look at the land-grabbing mafia and corruption within government systems. Films like Accidental Prime Minister (2019), The Kashmir Files (2022), and Emergency, (2025) though embroiled in controversies and labeled as government propaganda by some, revealed his willingness to take on films exploring complex and uncomfortable topics. His best film in this era, according to critics, was A Wednesday. The film tackled the issue of terrorism and the frustration of the commoners with the system. The thrill and realism of the film was elevated by Kher and Naseeruddin Shah’s textbook perfect performance of the police commissioner and the ‘mysterious bomber’, respectively. 

Besides a plethora of memorable films, Kher has also been entertaining and inspiring audiences with his talk shows, press interviews, and social media presence thanks to his sense of humor and eloquence!

Here's to many decades of being mesmerized by him! Happy Birthday Mr. Kher! Thank you for making us believe that indeed, ‘kuch bhi ho sakta hai!’

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