Veteran actor Anupam Kher, whose name is synonymous with paternal roles in iconic Bollywood films such as ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, and ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story’, recently offered a rare glimpse into his personal life, expressing how he has navigated his journey without having children of his own. His reflections come decades after he married renowned actress Kirron Kher in 1985. At that time, Kirron was already a mother to Sikandar Kher, her son from a previous marriage to Gautam Berry. Sikandar, who himself ventured into acting, adopted Anupam’s surname after his mother’s remarriage.
In an eye-opening conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, Anupam Kher delved into his feelings on not experiencing fatherhood firsthand. Speaking candidly, he mentioned, “It wasn’t something that I felt acutely earlier in my life, but in recent years, I sometimes sense its absence. Sometimes I imagine the joy it must be to witness a child grow, to see that bond strengthening over the years.” However, he is quick to add that this is not a grievance against his stepson Sikandar or his life as it stands. “It’s essential for me to acknowledge those feelings voluntarily in an honest way. This doesn’t overshadow the love and respect between Sikandar and me, but it could have enriched my journey.”
His reflections reveal a surprising turn, as he explains how the feeling of missing out on fatherhood crept in around his 50s. He attributes this partly to the paths tied to his busy career, the endeavors of his wife Kirron, who is esteemed in her own right, and the life of Sikandar as he ventured into his acting career.
. Anupam finds solace and a sense of parental joy through his work with The Anupam Kher Foundation, which focuses on various social causes, including children’s welfare. His dedication to the foundation fills some of the void that the absence of a biological child has left, as it allows him to interact closely with children who benefit from the organization’s initiatives.
Despite his feelings, Anupam emphasizes the notion that this absence is not felt in a tragic sense. He mentions how the experiences with others’ children, whether through friends or colleagues, bring occasional reminders but asserts, “I do not see it as a loss. It’s part of my life, just not the center.” He appreciates these connections and sees them as contributions to the rich tapestry of his life experiences.
On the professional front, Anupam Kher continues his illustrious career in the film industry with recent works such as ‘The Signature’. In this film, he portrays Arvind, an elder family man facing a crisis when his wife, played by Neena Kulkarni, needs to be placed on life support. ‘The Signature’ is directed by the accomplished Gajendra Ahire and produced by KC Bokadia and Anupam Kher Studio. Released on October 4 on ZEE5, the film showcases an emotionally charged journey of a man dealing with hardship while reaffirming familial love and sacrifice. This role once again brings Anupam’s penchant for portraying deeply emotional and relatable characters to the forefront.
With a stellar lineup that includes Mahima Chaudhry, Annu Kapoor, and Ranvir Shorey, the film has been appreciated for its heartfelt narrative. Anupam Kher, through his many roles, remains a pillar of cinematic storytelling, evoking empathy and connection across a spectrum of familial roles, whether bonded by blood or affection.
As Anupam Kher shares these personal insights, he rekindles conversations about family, choices, and the diverse interpretations of fatherhood, proving once again that he is not just an actor skilled in his craft but a human being publicly navigating the complexities of personal and professional life with grace and honesty.
