Anupam Kher Says He's The Most Sought-After Motivational Speaker: 'I Charge A Lot'
Anupam Kher, actor and motivational speaker, shares life lessons and optimism with News18 Showsha, recalling childhood happiness.
Anupam Kher is not just a celebrated actor with hundreds of films to his credit. He's also become a voice of resilience, hope, and self-awareness for many around the world. In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, the veteran star opened up about why he's one of the most in-demand motivational speakers globally, the life lessons passed down from his family, and why he believes happiness is a luxury we often overlook.
'I am the most sought-after motivational speaker all over the world and I charge a lot of money for that," Kher said. 'It's because I see life as something that is very happening and comical. I don't see what I have not achieved in life, I see how kind it has been to me."
He shared how his perspective on life has always leaned towards optimism, thanks to the mindset passed down by his family. 'There's no end to complaining. I can say 'yaar, why am I not Brad Pitt' but I am Anupam Kher. This attitude has been passed down to me by my family. They were very positive people."
A particular memory from his childhood has stayed with him over the years. 'I asked my dadaji once, 'Dada, we're so poor so how come we're so happy always?' He said, 'When you are poor, the cheapest luxury you have available is happiness.' This should be the attitude in life."
Kher admitted that he isn't immune to difficult emotions. 'I do get irritated, sad and depressed but I never complain because it gives you a false sense of importance. I don't like being fake because how can I lie to myself."
For him, life continues to be full of opportunities and promise. 'Life has so much to offer you. There's so much to do."
In a candid chat with us about his new book Different, but No Less, and his recent film, Tanvi The Great, the legendary actor also recalled a hilarious (and humbling) moment from his struggling days in Mumbai.
'I remember I went to a dhaba once," he began, launching into a story as vivid as a scene from a film. 'There was a play of mine which came on television, a bit before I got into movies. I had done that play and I was waiting for it to be telecast. I wanted people to see it and say, 'Oh, this is a fantastic actor.' I had, I think, one or one and a half rupees. My brother, a friend, and I went to this dhaba in Hirad Nagar. We ordered one chapati and one dal. That's when the owner came to me and praised me, saying how he had watched my play on Doordarshan and that I would become a big actor. So I got confident and started ordering chicken and beer and all. The bill came to about Rs 97… and I only had Rs 1."
What followed was a lesson in reality. 'I told him, 'Main kabhi bada aadmi banunga,' and he replied, 'Beta, tareef apni jagah hai, business apni jagah hai. Paise toh bharne padenge.' So I left my brother and my friend at the restaurant, went to another friend who lived next to Hare Rama Hare Krishna, borrowed Rs 100 from him, and came back. I remember that whole thing so clearly because I used to write about such things funnily."
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