Anupam Kher opened up about his early struggles in cinema, his views on nationalism, and his outspoken nature at the ninth edition of Expresso held at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. In a free-flowing conversation, the veteran star spoke about being nearly replaced in his debut film, the misconceptions about his political stance, and why he has never shied away from expressing himself.
Anupam Kher slams speculations about his BJP ties; says, “I have no shame in being a loyal Indian”
Anupam Kher, known for openly sharing his political opinions, discussed how audiences view his political persona during a conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director of the Indian Express Group. He said, “People confuse anybody who is talking about India that he wants to join politics. I was born in 1955 and India was born on 1947. I always say that I am 8 years younger to India. We both grew up together. I had post-independence blues in school and college. So, I was a born nationalist, now they say nationalist is different from being patriotic but I don’t understand that. I speak in favour of India without worrying about consequences and people confuse that with me being in politics. This happened only after 2014 when we became very open about our likings and dislikes.”
Addressing the allegation that he is associated with the BJP, Kher responded, “It doesn’t bother me now. People say, ‘BJP ka aadmi hai’ but I have no shame in being a loyal Indian. I feel proud when somebody praises India and I have been like this since forever. I am passionate about my country because we have grown up together.”
He also spoke respectfully about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “I think he’s a great leader. We have disagreements even with our fathers and friends, but it doesn’t mean disrespecting that person. I go by the intention of the person. I feel protective towards him, he has so many enemy, yet he continues to work for the country.”
Kher, who made his debut in Mahesh Bhatt’s Saaransh, revealed that he was nearly replaced by Sanjeev Kumar on that very project. The actor recalled packing his bags and being ready to leave Mumbai, only to confront Bhatt. “I told Mahesh Bhatt, ‘Can you see that cab, it has my luggage. I’m leaving the city but before I leave it, I want to tell you, you are the biggest fraud on this earth. You are the biggest cheat on this earth. You are making a film about truth, and you don’t have the truth in you.’” After the confrontation, Bhatt convinced the producer to retain Kher.
Anupam Kher’s body of work spans over 540 films and 100 plays over 35 years. Recently, in 2025, he acted in Emergency, Tumko Meri Kasam, Metro In Dino, and Tanvi the Great.
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