Anupam Kher was born on March 7, 1955, (70 Years Old) in Shimla, India. He’s been in the film industry for a long time and is still going strong. Over the years, he’s played various roles in Indian and international movies.
He grew up in a Kashmiri Pandit family in Shimla. Life had its ups and downs, but those early days helped shape who he was. His net worth today shows how far he’s come—not just in acting but also through his work in theatre, public speaking, and his acting school.
You can read the full bio here if you want to know his wiki, personal life, career, and what he’s been doing.
Wiki
| Full Name | Anupam Kher |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actor, Director, Producer, Teacher, and Entrepreneur |
| Famous As | Actor |
| Nick Name | Anupam |
| Date of Birth | 7 March 1955 |
| Age | 70 Years Old |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Hometown | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Country | India |
| Mother Tongue | Hindi |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Hobbies | Listening to Old Hindi Songs, Reading |
| Food Habits | Non-Vegetarian |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate in Theatre Drama |
| School Name | DAV Higher Secondary School, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla |
| College/University | – Government College, Shimla – Punjab University (PU), Chandigarh – National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi |
| Debut | Bollywood: Aagaman (1982) Telugu: Trimurtulu (1987) English: Nehru: The Jewel of India (1987) Malayalam: Indrajaalam (1990) Kannada: Parijatha (2012) Marathi: Kashala Udyachi Baat (2013) Chinese: Lust, Caution (2007) Hollywood: Gandhi Park (2007) Punjabi: Tera Mera Ki Rishta (2009) Producer: Bariwali (2000, Bengali film) Director: Om Jai Jagadish (2002) TV: Sawaal 10 Crore Ka (2001, as a host) |
Family
Anupam Kher’s father, Pushkarnath Kher, worked as a clerk in the forest department, while his mother, Dulari Kher, was a homemaker. He has a younger brother named Raju Kher, who is also an actor.
| Father Name | Father– Pushkarnath Kher (Worked as a Clerk in the Forest Department) |
|---|---|
| Mother Name | Mother– Dulari Kher (Homemaker) |
| Brother Name | Raju Kher (Younger, Actor) |
| Sister Name | None |
Physical Appearance
Anupam Kher is about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs around 70 kg. His eye color is dark brown, and he is bald. The information about his body measurements is yet to be updated.
| Height (Approx.) | in centimeters – 170 cm in meters – 1.70 m in feet inches – 5’ 7” |
|---|---|
| Weight (Approx.) | in kilograms – 70 kg in pounds – 154 lbs |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | N/A (Bald) |
Relationship Status
Anupam Kher is married. His first marriage was with actress Madhumalti Kapoor, but they got divorced in the early 1980s.
Later, he married actress and politician Kirron Kher. He has a stepson, Sikandar Kher, who is also an actor.
| Marital Status | Married |
|---|---|
| Spouse | First Wife– Madhumalti Kapoor (Actress, Divoced in the early 1980s) Second Wife– Kirron Kher (Actress, Politician) |
| Children | Step-Son– Sikandar Kher (Actor) |
Anupam Kher Career
Anupam Kher has done more than just act—he’s become one of the most recognizable faces in Indian cinema. Over the years, he’s taken on every kind of role you can think of—funny, emotional, serious, and sometimes downright intense.
With a career that spans over 500 films, he’s made a space for himself not only in Bollywood but also in Hollywood and television.
Early Breakthrough
Kher’s first big break came in 1984 with Mahesh Bhatt’s Saaransh. He played a 60-year-old man mourning the death of his son—a bold role for someone so young at the time. The movie didn’t do well commercially but was a huge hit with critics.
In the next couple of years, he was seen in a few forgettable films, but that changed in 1986 with hits like Aakhree Raasta and Karma, where his villain role as Dr. Michael Dang caught everyone’s eye. Karma was a blockbuster and helped Kher get noticed by the mainstream audience.
Building Momentum
In 1987 and 1988, he kept working steadily. He was in Sansar, Hatya, and Zakhmi Aurat. Then came Tezaab, one of the biggest blockbusters of 1988. Even when some films didn’t work out, Kher’s performances stood out.
Major Breakthrough and National Recognition
The year 1989 changed everything. He appeared in back-to-back hits like Ram Lakhan, Tridev, Chandni, Parinda, and ChaalBaaz. These weren’t just hits—they became iconic. That same year, he starred in Daddy, a TV film by Mahesh Bhatt.
In 1990, he was praised for his role in Dil, playing a greedy father. By now, Kher was a household name.
Strong in the ’90s
The ’90s were packed with big films for Kher. He acted in Saudagar, Hum, Beta, Lamhe, and Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin. He also had success with films like Khalnayak, Judwaa, Ziddi, Deewana Mastana, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
Two of his most iconic roles came in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, both of which were massive hits and are still loved today.
2000s: Still Going Strong
He started the 2000s with a strong performance in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai and followed up with successful roles in Mohabbatein, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, Kya Kehna, and Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai.
In 2001, he was appreciated for Jodi No.1 and the cult hit Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein.
Hollywood and Global Work
In 2002, Kher went international with Bend It Like Beckham, which became a global success. He then acted in Bride and Prejudice and The Mistress of Spices. While not all his Hollywood films were hits, they opened new doors.
Back in India, he starred in Veer-Zaara, Kyaa Kool Hain Hum, and Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, which he also produced. His role in the latter got him another National Film Award.
More Than Just Films
He directed Om Jai Jagadish and was chairman of the Indian Film Censor Board. He’s also written best-selling books like The Best Thing About You is You! and Your Best Day Is Today! His biography Lessons Life Taught Me Unknowingly came out in 2019.
On TV, he hosted shows like Say Na Something To Anupam Uncle, Sawaal Dus Crore Ka, and Lead India. In 2014, he performed in a one-man play about his life titled Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai. He also narrated the docuseries Bharatvarsh and produced Khwaabon Ki Zamin Par.
TV and Acting School
In 2018, he joined the American TV series New Amsterdam as Dr. Vijay Kapoor and also acted in BBC1’s Mrs. Wilson.
Kher also runs an acting school in Mumbai called Actor Prepares, where he mentors new talent.
Awards
Anupam Kher has earned recognition not just in India but also internationally. Over the years, he’s picked up several awards for his work in films and television. Here’s a quick look at some of his major wins and nominations:
| Award Name | Year | Category | Work | Result |
| Filmfare Awards | 2023 | Best Actor | The Kashmir Files | Nominated |
| 2023 | Best Supporting Actor | Uunchai | Nominated | |
| 2014 | Best Supporting Actor | Special 26 | Nominated | |
| 2001 | Best Comic Actor | Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge | Nominated | |
| 1999 | Best Comic Actor | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai | Nominated | |
| National Film Awards (India) | 1990 | Special Mention (Actor) | Daddy | Winner |
| IIFA Awards | 2022 | Best Actor (Male) | The Kashmir Files | Nominated |
| 2018 | Outstanding Achievement in Cinema | — | Winner | |
| 2017 | Best Supporting Actor | M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story | Winner | |
| 2014 | Best Supporting Actor | Special 26 | Nominated | |
| 2001 | Best Supporting Actor | Kya Kehna | Nominated | |
| Zee Cine Awards | 2023 | Best Actor (Viewers’ Choice) | The Kashmir Files | Nominated |
| 2023 | Best Actor (Jury’s Choice) | The Kashmir Files | Winner | |
| 2023 | Best Supporting Actor (Jury’s Choice) | Uunchai | Nominated | |
| 2017 | Best Supporting Actor | M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story | Nominated | |
| 2000 | Best Supporting Actor | Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain | Nominated | |
| Screen Awards (India) | 2017 | Best Supporting Actor | M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story | Nominated |
| 2014 | Best Supporting Actor | Special 26 | Nominated | |
| 2009 | Best Supporting Actor | A Wednesday | Nominated | |
| 2000 | Best Comic Actor | Haseena Maan Jaayegi | Winner | |
| Stardust Awards | 2017 | Best Supporting Actor | M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story | Nominated |
| 2014 | Pride of the Year | — | Winner | |
| 2009 | Best Actor | A Wednesday | Nominated | |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Int’l Film Festival | 2023 | Most Versatile Actor of the Year | — | Winner |
| Bollywood Awards | 2007 | Best Comic Actor | Khosla Ka Ghosla! | Winner |
| 2006 | Best Actor | I Did Not Kill Gandhi | Nominated | |
| 2002 | Best Supporting Actor | Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein | Nominated | |
| 2001 | Best Comic Actor | Mohabbatein | Nominated | |
| 2000 | Best Supporting Actor | Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain | Winner | |
| Sansui Viewer’s Choice Awards | 2001 | Best Comic Actor | Mohabbatein | Winner |
| 2001 | Best Negative Role | Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai | Nominated | |
| Hollywood (Ensemble Cast) | 2012–18 | Best Ensemble (Various Awards) | Silver Linings Playbook, The Big Sick | Shared Cast |
| OTT and Recent Awards | 2024 | Best Actor | Vijay 69 (Iconic Gold, Lions Gold, etc.) | Multiple Wins |
| 2025 | Best Actor – OTT | The Signature | Winner | |
| Other Notable Awards | 2023 | Extraordinary Performance | The Kashmir Files | Multiple Wins/Noms |
| 2024 | Changemaker of Indian Cinema | Brand Vision | Winner | |
| 2022 | Most Stylish Master of Reinvention | HT India’s Most Stylish Awards | Winner |
Controversies
Anupam Kher, a prominent figure in Indian cinema, has been involved in several controversies over the years. Below is a summary of notable incidents:
| Date | Controversy | Description |
| 2000 | Bariwali Dubbing Dispute | Kher produced the Bengali film Bariwali, in which his wife, Kirron Kher, played the lead role. Controversy arose when it was revealed that Kirron’s voice was dubbed without proper acknowledgement. This led to debates about the authenticity of her performance and the ethics of dubbing in cinema. |
| 2002 | Censorship of the ‘Final Solution’ Documentary | As chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, Kher was accused of stalling the clearance of Final Solution, a documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots. Director Rakesh Sharma alleged that Kher’s actions were politically motivated. |
| 2010 | ‘Dear Friend Hitler’ Casting Backlash | Kher initially agreed to portray Adolf Hitler in the film Dear Friend Hitler. However, he withdrew from the project following criticism from Jewish organizations in India, who opposed his involvement due to Hitler’s historical atrocities. |
| 2018 | ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ Political Debate | Kher played former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in The Accidental Prime Minister. The film’s trailer, promoted by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led to accusations of political propaganda. The Congress party’s youth wing objected to the film’s portrayal of their leaders. |
| 2022 | ‘The Kashmir Files’ Controversy | Kher starred in The Kashmir Files, a film depicting the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. The film faced criticism and was labeled as “propaganda” by some, including Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid. Kher defended the film, stating that its truth was uncomfortable for certain groups. |
Net Worth & Salary
Anupam Kher’s estimated net worth is around $55 million, which is roughly INR 450 crore. For each film, he reportedly charges about INR 1.5 crore.
| Net Worth in USD (Approx.) | $55 million |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Indian Rupees (Approx.) | ₹450 Crore |
| Salary (Approx.) | ₹1.5 Cr/Film |
| Car & Bike Collection | Mercedes Benz S350, BMW 5 series |
| Income Source | Acting, Film Making |
Social Media Handles
| @anupampkher | |
| @anupamkherofficial | |
| @AnupamPKher |
Anupam Kher Songs Lyrics
- Tara Rum Pum
- Aaj Gale Ke Niche Utara
- Humne Unke Mohalle Mein
- Abhi To Main Jawan Hoon
- Bhatti Is Gonna Get Ya
Interesting Facts About Anupam Kher
- He played a 60-year-old man in Saaransh when he was just 28.
- Anupam Kher once lived in a small rented room with 14 people during his struggling days.
- He has acted in over 500 films across multiple languages.
- Anupam refused a role in Dear Friend Hitler after facing backlash.
- He was the chairman of both the Censor Board and FTII.
- Anupam Kher’s acting school, Actor Prepares, has trained many Bollywood stars.
- He performed a solo play about his own life, called Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.
- Anupam won the Best Actor award at the New York City International Film Festival for Happy Birthday.
- He has written multiple bestselling books including one inspired by the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Anupam was part of the ensemble cast of Hollywood films like Silver Linings Playbook and The Big Sick.
FAQs
How old is Anupam Kher?
Anupam Kher is 70 Years Old.
What is Anupam Kher’s height?
He is about 5 feet 7 inches tall.
What is Anupam Kher’s Net Worth?
His net worth is estimated to be around $55 million (INR 450 crore).
What is Anupam Kher’s salary?
He charges approximately INR 1.5 crore per film.