Catch unfiltered Anupam Kher in his most honest, heartfelt avatar on In the Ring with Filmfare, now streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube Channel.
From walking into Mumbai with just ₹37 in his pocket to building a filmography that spans over 540 films across languages and continents, Anupam Kher’s journey has been anything but ordinary. In the latest episode of In The Ring with Filmfare, the veteran actor sits down with Jitesh Pillaai for an unfiltered, honest conversation, one that dives deep into rejection, resilience, and the quiet power of self-belief.
Known for his unforgettable performances in Saaransh, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and A Wednesday, as well as acclaimed international titles like Silver Linings Playbook and New Amsterdam, Kher has consistently demonstrated incredible range and depth. A writer, theatre artist, and motivational speaker, he has always stayed grounded—shaped by rejection, self-doubt, and a legacy built slowly over time.
Reflecting on his journey, Kher shares what he’d say to his younger self: “My 20-year-old younger self is someone I would tell to dream… failure is an event, never a person.” He adds, “I came to the city on the 3rd of June 1981, with just ₹37 in my pocket… now, 40 years later, having done 546 films… I have no complaints.”
Kher also recalls unkindness he experienced early on, “So many people said to me, ‘What will you do in your life? You don’t have hair, you’re not that good looking.’” He adds, “I believe, no matter what, one must always choose to be kind.”On today’s world, he observes, “Over generations, kindness has changed… The mobile phone has taken over our lives.”
Speaking candidly about battling depression, Kher shares, “I couldn’t sleep for years… I was diagnosed with depression.” A turning point came when his doctor told him, “Stop making stories. The problem is the stories you tell yourself.” That one line, he says, changed a lot for him.
