The veteran powerhouse of Indian cinema, Anupam Kher, celebrates his 71st birthday today. Born in 1955 in Shimla, Kher's journey is a masterclass in resilience. After struggling and even sleeping on railway platforms in Mumbai, he made a historic debut in Saaransh (1984). At just 29, he played a 65-year-old man, a performance that remains one of the most respected in cinema history. With over 540 films in his career, he has successfully transitioned from intense drama (A Wednesday) to iconic comedy (Special 26).

Kher is unique for his "People-to-People" connection and his success in global cinema, appearing in projects like Silver Linings Playbook. He has won two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards. Personally, he is known for his philosophical outlook on failure and his dedication to teaching through his acting school, "Actor Prepares.

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Photo: Bollywood Hungama / CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)