Entertainment • Actor

Anupam Kher

Anupam Kher is an Indian actor, film producer, and former chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Anupam Kher is an Indian actor, film producer, and former chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India. He is best known for a long career in Hindi cinema and television, with notable performances in films such as *Saaransh* and *Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge*, as well as international screen roles.

Early life and education

Anupam Kher was born on 7 March 1955 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. He studied at the National School of Drama after early schooling in Shimla.

Acting career

Kher made his film debut in *Saaransh* (1984), which brought him major recognition. He has appeared in over 500 films across Indian and international cinema, according to biographical and interview sources. His work spans film, television, and theatre.

Awards and recognition

Kher has received multiple Filmfare Awards and National Film Awards. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016. He received a BAFTA nomination for *The Boy with the Topknot* (2018).

Other work

Beyond acting, Kher has served as a producer, founded Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares acting school in 2005, written books, and appeared as a motivational speaker. He has also been associated with film-institution leadership roles.

Key facts

Anupam Kher is an Indian actor, producer, and former chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India.
He made his breakthrough in *Saaransh* (1984) and has appeared in over 500 films.
He has received major Indian honours including Padma Shri (2004) and Padma Bhushan (2016).
He was nominated for a BAFTA for *The Boy with the Topknot* (2018).
He founded Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares acting school in 2005.

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Canadian context

Anupam Kher’s work is relevant to Canadian readers through the global circulation of Indian cinema and his international screen projects; however, there is no strong Canada-specific biographical connection in the supplied sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Anupam Kher?

Anupam Kher is an Indian actor, producer, and former film-institution chairman known for work in Hindi cinema and international projects.

When was Anupam Kher born?

He was born on 7 March 1955 in Shimla, India.

What was Anupam Kher’s breakthrough film?

*Saaransh* (1984) is widely described as his breakthrough film.

Has Anupam Kher worked outside India?

Yes. He has appeared in international films and television, including productions that led to a BAFTA nomination.

What awards has Anupam Kher received?

He has received multiple Filmfare Awards, National Film Awards, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan.

What other roles has he had besides acting?

He has worked as a producer, director, author, motivational speaker, and acting-school founder.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anupam_Kher
Supports: Birth date, breakthrough role in Saaransh, and BAFTA nomination.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anupam_Kher_filmography
Supports: Career summary, awards, and film/industry roles.
Wikipedia (Hindi) — https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%AE_%E0%A4%96%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B0
Supports: Birthplace, family details, NSD education, marriage, and Padma Shri.
Google Talks — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxYGYZmDzXc
Supports: Career overview, international projects, awards, acting school, books, and Padma honours.
BookMyShow — https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/anupam-kher/211
Supports: Occupation, birthplace, breakthrough film, and multilingual film work.
IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0451600/bio/
Supports: General biography and international film/television work.