Anupam Kher is a Bollywood veteran admired by countless aspiring actors entering the film industry. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 540 films, he continues to inspire many. Interestingly, the actor recently revealed that his role in the iconic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was inspired by his own father, whom he describes as the “coolest” person in his life.
Anupam Kher on his bond with his father
In Aditya Chopra’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kher portrayed Dharamvir Malhotra—a fun-loving, supportive single father to Raj, played by Shah Rukh Khan. The character became iconic, with many wishing for a father like him. However, Kher shared that he was fortunate to have such a figure in real life.
The senior actor revealed that the character was based on his father, Pushkar Nath Kher. “My character in DDLJ was based on my father. My father was the coolest dude on Earth,” he said.
Known for his vibrant outlook on life, Kher added that his father played a huge role in shaping his personality. He described him as his biggest admirer and someone with whom he shared a deeply special bond.
Recalling cherished memories, the actor said that from his first school play in the fifth grade to the last film his father watched, his reaction remained the same—full of pride and admiration. He would often say, “Waah! Kya beta paida kiya hai maine. Kya kamaal hai.”
Kher also shared one of the most valuable lessons his father taught him—that failure is merely an event, not a person.
Growing emotional, the actor remembered his final moments with his father. Just minutes before his passing, his father whispered his last words to him: “Live life,” a message that continues to stay with Kher even today.