Anupam Kher took a nostalgic trip down memory lane by sharing pictures from his first portfolio shoot after arriving in Mumbai in 1981. The veteran actor accompanied the black and white images with an emotional note, recalling the struggles, insecurities and unwavering determination that shaped his journey in the film industry. Posting the throwback pictures on Instagram, Kher revealed that he was only 25 years old when he came to Mumbai from Shimla with only dreams and confidence in his acting skills.He wrote, “These are photographs from the first portfolio I shot after arriving in Mumbai in 1981. I was 25. A young man from Shimla with a suitcase full of dreams and a heart full of beliefs.”
Anupam Kher on fighting self-doubt with confidence
The actor reflected on how overwhelming Mumbai felt in those early days. He admitted that his premature baldness often made him wonder if people would notice his appearance before recognizing his talent. However, he drew strength from the training he received at the National School of Drama and his determination to succeed.Sharing his thoughts, Kher said, “The city was huge. It could make you feel like a tiny drop in a vast ocean. Every face seemed safer, every street seemed to move faster than my dreams. There were days when my premature baldness bothered me. I wondered if people would see my hair before they saw my talent. But then I would remember something…”.He further added, “The National School of Drama had given me confidence. Life had given me hunger. And hunger, when backed by hard work, becomes a powerful force.”
Anupam Kher’s Message on Perseverance
Kher also addressed the question he has often been asked throughout his career about whether he always believed he would succeed. According to the actor, certainty was never part of his journey, but giving up was never an option.He wrote: “People often ask me, ‘Did you know you were going to make it?’ no, i didn’t know. But I knew I would never stop trying.”Encouraging dreamers to stay committed to their goals, she added: “Dreams are strange. They don’t come true because you just wish for them. They come true because you wake up every morning, work at them relentlessly, survive rejection, silence your fears and keep showing up. If you really believe in your dream, your dream slowly begins to believe in you.”To conclude on the heartfelt note, the actor reflected on the young man in the photographs, saying that he no longer sees someone struggling but someone who stayed true to his dreams despite all the challenges. Kher ended his post by saying, “Looking at these pictures today, I don’t see an actor struggling. I see a young man refusing to compromise on his dreams. And for that 25-year-old boy I have only one thing to say… ‘Thank you for not giving up.‘”
Anupam Kher Work Front
On the work front, Anupam Kher continues to be active in both films and other creative projects. He will next be seen in ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla 2’, the sequel to the much-loved 2006 film directed by Dibakar Banerjee. The original film remains a cult favorite for its relatable storytelling, humor and ensemble performances. Apart from this, Kher also has many other projects in the pipeline, including the upcoming film ‘Fauzi’, which stars the actor. Prabhas in a key role.