'I refuse to be called a legend': Anupam Kher opens up about his journey and inspiration at WION World Pulse summit

Veteran actor and filmmaker Anupam Kher, who is known for his powerful and emotional performances in films like Tanvi: The Great and The Bengal Files, took the centrestage at WION World Pulse summit on Wednesday (Mar 18) and shared insights into his life, career, and creative philosophy that shaped his journey in cinema.

Before starting the conversation, he revealed that "My wife only watches this channel (WION), so she was very thrilled that I was invited here-she thought I was important."

'Life is my best teacher’

During the session, Kher gave the everyday experiences and people in his life the credit for being his biggest sources of inspiration. He also spoke fondly of his grandfather who influenced his early years. "If you keep your eyes open, everything around you becomes inspirational—people from all walks of life, everyday interactions, even small conversations," he said.

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The 71-year-old actor added that he keeps his “options open” when it comes to finding creative motivation.

Calling himself his “biggest competition,” Kher said he constantly works on self-improvement and staying relevant in a fast-changing world. "I’ve always believed that my competition is with myself. And I set very high standards for myself-I don’t get easily impressed. I’m an educated actor, trained in drama school, but there is so much more to learn from life." the actor added.

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Kher about technology

Speaking about the evolution of technology, Kher said he feels fortunate to have experienced both pre-digital and digital eras. He also revealed that he manages his own social media. "I like to post regularly, but my consumption is limited because I have so much else to do, I’m working, writing, performing. My grandfather used to say, ‘A busy man has time for everything," he shared.

Kher also expressed worries regarding the effects of mobile phones on kids and youths, indicating that too much screen time might be diminishing their curiosity. Identifying as someone who is naturally curious, he emphasized the significance of questioning and exploring the world around us.

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Kher shares personal stories

Quoting a lesson from his grandfather, he noted that a busy person can always find time for everything. Though the actor been in the industry for decades, he feels "this is just the interval of my life. I don’t like being called a veteran or a legend. I still have a lot more to do. I still have that hunger."

He also spoke about his film Tanvi: The Great, revealing that it was inspired by his niece.

The actor, who shares a warm rapport with Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, was seen having a friendly moment at the WION Summit as Kher warmly invited Gadkari on stage for a felicitation.

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About Anupam Kher

Born on March 7, 1955, Kher has been active in the film industry for around four decades and has appeared in over 540 films. He was honoured with two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards for his contribution to the cinema, and in the year 2004, he was awarded the Padma Shri and later the Padma Bhushan in 2016. Some of his best films include Saaransh (1984), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), A Wednesday! (2008), Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006), and The Kashmir Files (2022).