Amid criticism over his remarks that the Ram Mandir donation theft was “minor” compared to the cruelty during Mughal rule, Anupam Kher posted a video on social media on Sunday. In it, the actor explained that he speaks his mind on certain matters without fear, since he doesn’t attempt to win everyone’s approval. This clip surfaced after several social media users slammed his comments on the temple donation theft, and a day after Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav responded to his statement on X (previously Twitter).
Akhilesh Yadav’s response to Anupam Kher
Replying to Kher’s comments, Yadav wrote, “This is a strange argument that no one should say anything to the thief, but those who catch the theft should be lectured. There must be some reason for such sympathy towards thieves, or some political compulsion (sic).”
Anupam Kher’s cryptic message on X
In the latest cryptic message on X, Kher said, “Many people ask me how I manage to speak so fearlessly about certain topics. Do not I fear becoming unpopular? My straightforward answer is that perhaps it is because I do not try to please everyone.”
Anupam Kher on becoming your own favourite
He said one of life’s toughest challenges was pleasing everyone, and questioned whether anyone in the world had truly managed to be liked by all. According to him, once someone sets out to become everyone’s favourite, others start taking advantage of them for their own benefit. Kher noted that in trying to say what others want to hear, a person risks losing their own sense of self. “I have a philosophy in life: first, try to become your own favourite,” he continued.
Anupam Kher speaks on self-growth
The actor said one should be able to look in the mirror and feel they are a good person. If that isn’t the case, he added, change should come not to please the world, but for one’s own personal growth. He further said that no one, including himself, had ever signed up for the job of keeping the whole world happy.
Anupam Kher’s response to the Ram Mandir row
The post followed backlash over Kher’s comments on the Ram Mandir donation theft, made during his visit to Ayodhya. Addressing the controversy, he said he didn’t view himself as important enough to warrant Yadav writing about him. He claimed that Yadav’s team had presented only part of his statement to suit their purpose, which had triggered the reaction. Kher asked Yadav to go through his full remarks, saying he was confident the Samajwadi Party leader would come around once he did. He added that, as a Sanatani, Yadav would understand that such incidents of theft could not diminish the glory of Lord Shri Ram.
Anupam Kher’s upcoming film ‘Shri Ram Bhoomi‘
On May 29, Kher announced his upcoming film ‘Shri Ram Bhoomi’, to be directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, who last helmed ‘The Kerala Story 2’. Making the announcement on social media, Kher expressed great happiness and pride at being associated with the project, sharing a photo from the set showing him holding the clapperboard, which bore the film’s title, ‘Ram Bhoomi’. He noted that this would be his 552nd film. The cast also includes Ritwik Bhowmik and Amruta Khanvilkar, while the production is backed by Anuya Chauhan Kudecha, Ritesh Kudecha, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Raedita, Akash Shah, Pranay Chokshi, Kalapi Shah, Kranti Shanbhag, Girish Johar and Meet Mojo. The first look suggests the film may draw on the history behind the Ram Mandir’s inauguration in Ayodhya, though the makers are yet to confirm the plot or announce a release date.