Veteran actor Anupam Kher has never hesitated to discuss his modest beginnings, and his recent revelations about selling his Mumbai apartment reflect his enduring philosophy. The actor, who once sold a property later purchased by Alia Bhatt, has now explained why he consciously decided not to own a home at one point in his life.
Early Struggles and a Conscious Decision
Recalling his early challenges during an appearance on Zindagi with Richa, Anupam shared that he arrived in Mumbai with only Rs 37 in his pocket. Despite building a successful career, he emphasized that his decisions were never purely driven by financial ambitions. Opening up about selling his home nearly a decade ago, he revealed that the move was intentional and rooted in a desire for simplicity rather than necessity.
“Kirron and I moved to a different place, and it took us four years to find it. Then she became an MP and shifted to Chandigarh. At one point, I wondered why we were even searching so hard for a house. So we just started living simply,” he said, referring to his wife, Kirron Kher. He added that living in a rented space felt more grounded and less complicated, allowing him to focus on his craft. “My aim is not just money. I want to be the best actor I can be,” he reiterated.
Fulfilling a Mother's Dream
While he chose simplicity for himself, Anupam ensured his mother's dream of owning a home in Shimla came true. He shared that she had always wanted a modest house, but he went a step further and purchased a much larger property for her. Interestingly, despite the grand gesture, she continues to prefer a simple lifestyle and visits the house mainly during summers.
Lessons from Failure and Success
Reflecting on life and ambition, the actor spoke candidly about how success can lead to an endless chase for more. “If you have Rs 10 crore, you start wanting Rs 20 crore, then Rs 25 crore,” he said. He stressed that failure has been his greatest teacher, pushing him to evolve and stay creative. “Failure teaches you. It helps you grow, reinvent yourself, and reminds you that you're alive. You shouldn't feel self-pity. I do feel it sometimes, but after that, I find joy in living again. People have forgotten how to truly live,” he added.
The Alia Bhatt Connection
For those unaware, Anupam's former Mumbai apartment was later purchased by Alia Bhatt in 2015. Reports suggest she bought two properties in a Juhu building for a combined amount of approximately Rs 8.99 crore.
