Top 59 Quotes & Sayings by Anupam Kher

Explore popular quotes and sayings by an Indian actor Anupam Kher.
Last updated on April 14, 2025.
Anupam Kher

Anupam Kher is an Indian actor and the former Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India. He has appeared in over 500 films predominantly in the Hindi language and many plays. He is a recipient of two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards. At Filmfare, he won the Best Actor award for Saaransh (1984) and Best Supporting Actor award for Vijay (1988), and also holds record for winning the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian five times for Ram Lakhan (1989), Lamhe (1991), Khel (1992), Darr (1993) and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995). Kher also won the National Film Award for Special Mention twice for his performances in Daddy (1989) and Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara (2005).

I have played 50 different kinds of fathers and villains. Only mediocre actors play the part the same way.
I would like congratulate everyone who was a part of 'Life of Pi.'
When I staged the play and narrated my story to the audience, people found it amazing that after facing so many hardships, I have gone on to do 482 films. — © Anupam Kher
When I staged the play and narrated my story to the audience, people found it amazing that after facing so many hardships, I have gone on to do 482 films.
Our cinema has evolved in last 60 years because we have made people happy through our films. The main purpose of our storyline is to spread happiness. Our cinema has an emotional connect.
I was failed in all other aspects of filmmaking and was completely bankrupt because my dreams were higher than realities. So I started my acting school in a small room with 12 students to prepare future actors and actresses.
Harper Collins gave me a letter of intent saying that they want me to pen down my autobiography. When I was recollecting the incidents of my life for that, I selected only those incidents which were turning points in my life. I staged it instead of writing it.
I'm looking to do an honest job, and I don't have any Indian talk show as a reference point. I'm not looking down on them, but I want to do what Oprah did.
I was able to overcome my failures because I was always confident of my abilities and was sure I could achieve what I had set out for.
My first Hindi film as a leading man was Mahesh Bhatt's 'Saaransh,' which immediately established me as someone who knows the craft.
Actors in the film industry are usually wary of expressing their opinions on the issues of the day, politics especially.
Every time I've crossed to a new level of film acting, the film has been a breakthrough project.
I discovered that the world frightens you with your shortcomings, but if you do not worry about it, you are liberated.
I'm not a cribber, or someone who criticises. People who criticise are not doers. I'm a doer. — © Anupam Kher
I'm not a cribber, or someone who criticises. People who criticise are not doers. I'm a doer.
We only see the glamour side of stars but not how they've achieved it.
In every role that I do - whether I'm a teacher, actor or mentor - I do it with total dedication and as much honesty as I feel is required because there's no alternative to honesty and hard work.
I wrote a book on life coaching, because my life became my own reference point how to live.
I think if you laugh at your troubles and tell the whole world what went wrong, you can't be frightened by anything.
In India, film sets are like a family atmosphere.
I don't think that I will say that we are less talented in Bollywood, but our functioning is different. We cater to a different kind of audience.
I was born in a poor family, a lower middle class family. My father was a clerk in the forest department. I was very bad at studies. I was not very good at sports, also.
I speak for Kashmiri pundits because injustice has been done to them, and the political discourse doesn't give them enough importance.
'Silver Linings' has proved a golden opportunity for me.
It's your own fear of failure that stops you from doing things.
I had spent many days hungry; had slept on railway stations at times because I did not have money to pay for a hotel room... there were moments when I felt I had compromised my dignity as a human being and as an actor.
An actor is only a part of the film, not the whole, and very often, he is moulded by the director. That is why a good director can make so much difference to a film.
I started doing motivational tours. I've seen all kinds of people, from the CEOs to the lowest executive, opening up to their fears. We don't introspect as much as we should.
I've done 480-odd films, have my own acting school, won awards, etc. and now host a successful TV chat show - what else can I ask for? Yes, of course, every journey has its ups and downs, but that's part of life.
As for my stand, I think it has become difficult in our country to be a Hindu and a liberal at the same time.
I have always believed that directing a film is like telling a story. You have to tell it well so that it is appreciated.
Every individual suffers from the fear of failure, but you can change your destiny only when you overcome it.
I've always been the most vocal person socially about things that I feel are important.
People tend to scare you pointing out your shortfalls. If you voluntarily admit your faults, then people won't have anything to point out.
I think in my mother tongue. That's Hindi.
My first British film was Gurinder Chadha's 'Bend It Like Beckham,' which was a huge international success.
Practice makes an actor excel. It is like cycling and motor driving. It is an art, which can be learnt and practised.
I was 28 when I played the role of a 65 year old man in my first film.
I approach every role with the same commitment because I'm being paid for it. To not do so would be unethical.
Drama school, you know, I own an acting school, Actor Prepares. — © Anupam Kher
Drama school, you know, I own an acting school, Actor Prepares.
I enjoy being recognized. I'll be very sad if people stop recognizing me. I'll be very sad if I'm not interviewed, because that's a very amazing process.
Success is boring... failure is exciting and more entertaining.
If my life can inspire people, then a television show where guests talk about their challenges and what makes them unique would work.
It is important to be financially savvy when you turn producer. As a director, you just need to have a good script in hand.
It's important for couples to be friends first and to respect each other as individuals.
After working with Woody Allen, sharing screen space with De Niro was a dream come true.
One time I nearly experienced failure was when I was acting in 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun' in 1994. One day, I woke up and found that part of my face was paralysed.
Birthdays are meant for special occasions.
I still feel I belong to the theatre. There is nothing more challenging and exciting for an actor than performing before a live audience. The stage is the real testing ground for an actor.
There are many brilliant actors, including our own Dilip Kumar, but Robert de Niro is something else. — © Anupam Kher
There are many brilliant actors, including our own Dilip Kumar, but Robert de Niro is something else.
I cannot take away the fact I am a small-town boy from India, from a lower-middle class family, and was actually standing in front of De Niro - not on an equal level, but as an actor, on the same pedestal.
I'm very happy doing what I'm doing; I don't think I'm prepared to devote my time to politics. When I am, I'd like to give it 100%. I'm not in the frame of mind, and I'm too greedy an actor to do that.
In day-to-day life, our brain sends lots of signals. In acting, there are no signals. You have to believe in what you are trying to portray.
I am aware that as an actor, I can blame others for the failure of a film, the director, the script, choice of co-stars, timing of the release and so on. But now, as the director, I will have to shoulder all the blame.
Being a popular director or actor's son can be frightening in this industry. What if you are not able to make it?
Our school not only makes you an actor, it makes you understand who you actually are as well... it gives you discipline and punctuality. It also teaches you a way of life.
You are never too old for applause. What's satisfying is that I'm being appreciated for what I was trained for.
You may be in a medical or engineering college, but not all will stand first in class. It depends on who studies the most.
I was neither good in sports nor at studies, but I always wanted to stand out and be noticed.
I know that some of the characters I played were trash. But then, I chose to take up those roles, as I enjoyed doing them.
I have never judged life. If I had, I would have been a complete mess.
This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. More info...
Got it!