Anupam Kher, the legendary Bollywood actor whose roles captivated audiences for decades, recently shared a very personal side of his life. His defining role has been that of a loving husband to actress-turned-politician Kirron Kher, despite his professional accomplishments, which include working with celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Amitabh Bachchan.
In an exclusive Zoom interview, Anupam Kher discussed the challenging time when his wife Kirron Kher was diagnosed with cancer. He stressed that a person’s true character is revealed during difficult times, not during moments of ease. “You never know what life or relationships hold at any given moment. But how you react under adversity defines who you are,” he said.
Leaving Career Behind for Love
He recalled that while Kirron battled multiple myeloma, he was in the US filming the successful series New Amsterdam, which had been extended for a third season. Upon learning of her diagnosis, his immediate decision was to leave the show and return to India to be by her side. “I was not a doctor, but I said I would come. She told me to come. Naturally, she was devastated. I quit the show. Returning to her side was more important than any career milestone or financial gain,” Anupam Kher shared.
Reflecting on their 40-year marriage, he stressed that courage is key in a relationship. “Love is there, of course, but being married for decades brings a profound sense of strength and mutual support. Sometimes you provide strength, sometimes she does—for each other during our weakest moments.”
Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher were married on 26 August 1985. Before this, Anupam had been married to actress Madhumati Kapoor, and Kirron Kher’s first husband was Gautam Berry.
