Anupam Kher lives in rented home despite four-decade movie career, says it helps avoid conflict

Economic Times

26-07-2025

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has revealed that he chooses to live in a rented apartment despite decades of success in Bollywood. In a podcast interview, he said the decision stems from a desire to avoid property-related disputes within the family after his death. Kher also reflected on his parenting style with stepson Sikandar, explaining that he believes in giving children freedom rather than imposing control.
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Return to Directing with 'Tanvi The Great'
Veteran actor Anupam Kher , who has spent over forty years in the film industry and remains one of Bollywood's most recognised faces, has chosen not to own a house. Despite having the financial means to purchase multiple properties, Kher continues to live in a rented apartment—a decision rooted in his desire to avoid potential conflicts within the family after his passing.Speaking on The Powerful Humans podcast, Kher revealed that his choice stems from observing the bitter disputes families often face over inherited property. He shared that he has spoken to elderly individuals whose later years were marred by painful experiences—some being forced to vacate their homes by their children, while others were pressured to sign over ownership. Wanting to prevent any such scenarios in his own family, Kher decided that renting was a more peaceful alternative. According to him, money is easier to distribute than property, and avoids triggering emotional and legal complications after one's death.He also compared his lifestyle philosophy to spiritual ideals, mentioning that figures like Gautam Buddha let go of luxuries to live simply. For Kher, true ambition lies in creative work, not material ownership. He added that one only needs the basics—shelter, transportation, and meaningful companionship—to live a fulfilling life.Kher also opened up about his relationship with his stepson, actor Sikandar Kher. He stated that while he has played fatherly roles in films, he doesn't see the need to impose the same dynamic in real life. Kher prefers to let Sikandar make his own decisions without interference, stressing that children learn best from their own experiences and mistakes. He recalled that his own father never dictated his choices and believes the same freedom should be passed on.He acknowledged that modern children often operate independently and do not seek parental approval for every decision. In his view, parental support should be about giving space rather than controlling outcomes.Anupam Kher married actor and politician Kirron Kher in 1985. At the time, Kirron was going through a difficult marriage with her then-husband Gautam Berry, while Anupam was coping with a breakup. Sikandar, Kirron's son from her first marriage, was around four years old when Kher became part of his life.On the professional front, Kher recently returned to direction with Tanvi The Great. The film stars debutant Shubhangi Dutt in the lead role and features Kher himself as Colonel Pratap Raina. Other cast members include Iain Glen, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, and Arvind Swami.The film centres around Tanvi Raina, a girl on the autism spectrum, who dreams of honouring her late father by saluting the national flag at the Siachen Glacier. The narrative follows her emotional and determined journey to join the army, exploring themes of disability, family, and patriotic ambition.