Meet actor who ruled Bollywood for 40 years, starred in over 500 films, yet lives on rent, gifted his mom an 8-room dream home, his name is…
He’s been everyone on screen, a tyrant father, a charming clown, a dreaded villain, even the nation’s conscience. But off-screen? Anupam Kher has never taken up the one role you’d expect from a Bollywood veteran with 500+ films: that of a man with a home to call his own.
From Saaransh to Vijay 69, Anupam Kher has been an irreplaceable part of Bollywood’s emotional and cinematic DNA. With over 540 Indian and international films, he’s worked with legends like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar, all while quietly staying in a rented apartment.
Why does Anupam Kher still live in a rented flat?
In a candid interview with Curly Tales, the actor made a surprising revelation, “I live in a rented apartment because I never felt the need to buy a house. Who would I buy it for? Pay rent every month and live a peaceful life. Keep the money in the bank and pay rent from the interest.”
Even after four decades in the spotlight, Kher’s approach to life — and finances — remains rooted in simplicity and purpose.
Where did all that success go, then?
Rather than investing in personal luxuries, Kher believes in putting his wealth to better use.
He says, “I want to donate some of my earnings and do something meaningful so that people remember me. Money shouldn’t just be for accumulating property — it should be used for good.”
Did he buy anyone a home?
Yes, and it was his mother. Sharing an emotional anecdote, Kher said he fulfilled his mother’s long-cherished dream of owning a home in Shimla. He added, “Seven years ago, I joked with my mother that I’m a big star and will get her anything she wants. I expected her to refuse, but she immediately said, ‘I want a house in Shimla.’ It shocked me because after my father’s death, we didn’t live there anymore. But it was her dream, so I bought her a beautiful 8-bedroom apartment.”
What does this tell us about Anupam Kher?
In an industry known for its flash and fortune, Kher stands out for his humility and grounded lifestyle. His story isn’t just about cinematic success; it’s about valuing memories over materialism and people over possessions.
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