Anupam Kher reveals why he and wife Kirron never had kids, admits, 'I do feel a void'

Economic Times

5 days ago

Synopsis
Anupam Kher recently shared his personal feelings about not having his own child, a realization that came later in life. He revealed that Kirron Kher faced difficulties conceiving, and their focus shifted towards Anupam's career. Sikander, Kirron's son from a previous marriage, became an integral part of Anupam's life, fulfilling a parental role for him.
Agencies Anupam Kher Reflects on Fatherhood and Missed Parenthood Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently opened up about a personal emotion he has rarely spoken about—the quiet ache of not raising a child of his own. In a heartfelt conversation with entrepreneur Raj Shamani, the seasoned performer, known for his role in The Kashmir Files, spoke about why he and his wife, actress and politician Kirron Kher, never had children together.Anupam acknowledged that he had never felt the void of not having a biological child until he reached the age of sixty. Over the years, he has often worked closely with children through his foundation and even hosted a kids' television program titled Say Na Something to Anupam Uncle. Though deeply fond of children, it wasn't until recently that the absence of experiencing a child growing up in his own home truly resonated with him. When someone asked him if he ever felt that emptiness, his answer was honest and simple: yes—but it was something he only came to understand with time."I am fond of children. I used to do a show called Say Na Something to Anupam Uncle, which was a children's show. So when somebody asked me, 'Do you feel this?' I said yes—and it's the truth," he said. Explaining why they never had children together, Anupam revealed that early in their marriage, Kirron had difficulties conceiving. When she finally became pregnant, complications arose, and the pregnancy didn't progress as expected."Kirron couldn't conceive, and when she did, the pregnancy wasn't developing properly. I was too busy trying to make it big. I was too busy… And Sikander—he's still enough for me..." he said. At the time, Anupam was deeply focused on building his acting career and admits that he was too preoccupied to think about starting a family. However, when he married Kirron, her son Sikander from her previous marriage was already four years old, and Anupam embraced him fully as his own. For many years, Sikander filled that space in his life, and he never felt a lack of parental fulfillment.Anupam and Kirron's relationship began as a friendship during a difficult period in both their lives. Kirron was facing challenges in her marriage with Gautam Berry, while Anupam had just come out of a breakup. Their bond blossomed into love, and they tied the knot in 1985, embarking on a new journey together.Currently, Anupam is preparing for the release of Tanvi The Great, a film that features actors Shubhangi Dutt, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, and Pallavi Joshi and is slated to hit theatres on July 18.