Veteran actor #AnupamKher, one of Indian cinema’s most respected personalities, recently opened up in a heartfelt and honest conversation about a deeply personal aspect of his life—his journey with #fatherhood and the emotional void of never having a biological child of his own. The candid revelations were made during a conversation with content creator and entrepreneur Raj Shamani on his YouTube channel.
From Best Friends to Life Partners: A Bond Rooted in Love
Anupam and #KirronKher, one of the most admired couples in the Indian film and political world, share a story that began in friendship and blossomed into love. The two had been best friends for more than a decade before they tied the knot in 1985. At the time, Kirron was going through a difficult period in her life—she was married to businessman Gautam Berry and struggling with personal challenges. Meanwhile, Anupam had recently gone through a breakup of his own.
Their companionship, rooted in emotional support and mutual respect, gradually turned into something deeper. Eventually, they married, and Anupam became a part of Kirron’s life along with her son from her first marriage, #SikanderKher, who was just four years old at the time. Sikander would go on to adopt Anupam’s last name and become a part of his world.
Living with Love, but Without a Biological Child
Now, nearly 40 years after their marriage, Anupam has for the first time publicly acknowledged a subtle but meaningful void in his life—the experience of raising a child from birth. He admitted that while he always felt complete with Sikander as his son, there is a specific emotional connection he now realizes he missed.
When asked why he never had children of his own, Anupam revealed, with moving honesty, that Kirron had difficulty conceiving. He shared that although there was a moment when she did become pregnant, the pregnancy didn’t progress as expected, and sadly, the child’s growth was not normal. As a result, they were unable to have children together.
A Realization That Came with Time
During the conversation, Anupam mentioned that he did not feel this sense of void earlier in life. “It didn’t occur to me when I was younger,” he said. “I was focused on my work, and I was driven by the desire to make a name for myself. I was constantly working, building my career.”
But over time, particularly after he turned 60, he began to feel the absence of something. “Now I work with a lot of children through my foundation. I have always loved kids. I even did a children’s television show called Say Na Something to Anupam Uncle. It’s during such moments that someone once asked me, ‘Do you feel the absence of having your child?’ And I said—yes. That is the #truth.”
A Deep Connection with Sikander, But Still a Quiet Longing
Anupam was quick to add that his love for Sikander has always been deep and genuine. “Sikander was just four years old when he came into my life,” he said. “He’s a good child. Even today, I feel fulfilled because he is a part of me. So, there was never any feeling of something missing back then.”
In a separate interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, Anupam expanded on this thought, saying: “It’s not that I am unhappy with Sikander—not at all. But I think there is a unique joy in seeing a child grow in front of your eyes, from infancy to adulthood. That journey… that bond… It’s something very special. This is my #honestanswer to you. I could have chosen not to speak about it, but I didn’t want to avoid it.”
Acceptance Without Bitterness
Despite the emotional weight of these reflections, Anupam remains accepting and grateful for the life he has lived. “It’s not a tragedy,” he clarified. “I don’t feel broken or sorrowful. But sometimes, I do think—it would have been nice to experience that.”
His honesty offers a powerful reminder that #emotionalvulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength—especially when expressed by public figures who inspire millions. By speaking openly about his journey, Anupam Kher has shown yet again why he remains one of the most respected voices in Indian cinema and public life.
A Quiet Legacy of Love
In the end, while he may not have raised a biological child, Anupam Kher has raised countless minds through his acting, teaching, philanthropy, and compassionate mentorship. His bond with Sikander continues to be strong, and his life is a reflection of love, acceptance, and quiet grace.
For those who measure fatherhood not just by biology but by heart, #AnupamKher remains a powerful symbol of what it means to be a father in every way that counts.