Anupam Kher is one actor who has performed all kinds of roles—action, comedy, drama, and biopics—and delivered excellence in each. From playing an elderly man at the very start of his career in Saaransh (at just 28 years old) to portraying real-life figures like Dr. Manmohan Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, and Rabindranath Tagore, Kher has proven time and again that no role is too big, too small, or too challenging for him.
Recently, he took to Instagram to share a powerful collage of three characters he has portrayed: Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, and India’s former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. With the caption:
"Three Characters - One Actor!
तीन किरदार - एक कलाकार!! 💪
कभी कभी ख़ुद को और कुछ दूसरे लोगों को भी अपनी काबिलियत का एहसास कराते रहना चाहिए! अच्छा लगता है! जय हो! 😍❤️🙏"
he reminded his followers and perhaps even himself of the creative legacy he continues to build with each role. The post isn’t just a showcase of acting; it’s a statement of artistic power, versatility, and enduring relevance.
Anupam Kher's journey in cinema began unconventionally. While most newcomers opt for youthful roles, Kher debuted in Saaransh (1984) as a 60-year-old grieving father, delivering a performance so powerful that it not only won him accolades but also set the tone for a fearless career. That fearlessness has remained the hallmark of his choices—taking on roles that challenge societal norms, demand emotional depth, or require intense transformation.
What makes Anupam Kher stand out in a film industry filled with talent is his ability to completely disappear into his characters. Whether he’s making us laugh in films like Khosla Ka Ghosla, moving us to tears in Daddy, or evoking admiration through portrayals of historical figures, Kher brings authenticity to every frame.
His portrayal of Dr. Manmohan Singh in The Accidental Prime Minister drew attention not just for its striking physical resemblance, but for the restrained, soft-spoken dignity he infused into the role. In embodying Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi, Kher captured not only the look but the spirit of two of India’s greatest thinkers—a task that demands more than mere acting; it calls for insight, empathy, and respect.
While his acting prowess is widely celebrated, Anupam Kher is also a director. His recent film Tanvi the Great, which he calls the most important film of his career, is yet another testament to his storytelling abilities. As a filmmaker, he brings the same passion and depth that define his acting, showing that his creativity isn’t confined to being in front of the camera.
Across more than 500 films in multiple languages, Kher has worked with the best directors, acted alongside generations of actors, and yet, continues to reinvent himself. His choice to take on real-life icons isn’t just about playing a part—it’s about honoring history and introducing these personalities to new audiences through cinema.
In an era where actors are often typecast, Anupam Kher stands tall as a performer who refuses to be boxed in. His ability to shift from powerful dramatic roles to lighthearted comedies, from patriotic films to international projects, marks him as a true global artist.
Anupam Kher isn’t just an actor—he’s a living chronicle of Indian cinema’s evolution over the past four decades. With every new character he takes on, he reminds us why acting is not just a profession but a lifelong pursuit of truth, emotion, and transformation. His recent Instagram post is more than a collage—it’s a celebration of artistic mastery and an inspiring message to keep recognizing one's own worth.
Three characters. One actor. Infinite possibilities.
Check out the post: