Anupam Kher’s Struggle Story: Rs 37 in Mumbai, Early Setbacks and a One-Day First Marriage

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has often spoken about the difficult period that preceded his successful Bollywood career. From arriving in Mumbai with only Rs 37 to facing periods without enough money for accommodation, Kher’s early years were marked by uncertainty before he established himself as one of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable performers. His personal life during the same period also included a brief first marriage that ended almost immediately.

Anupam Kher Arrived in Mumbai With Rs 37

Kher moved to Mumbai with the ambition of building a career in acting. In later interviews, he recalled that he had just Rs 37 in his pocket when he reached the city. At the time, there was no guarantee that he would find steady work.

His early years involved auditions, theatre and financial difficulties. Kher has previously described periods when he had nowhere permanent to stay and had to spend nights at public places, including beaches and railway platforms. He has said these experiences became an important part of his journey and eventually shaped his approach to life and work.

Another difficult episode came when he could not pay rent. Kher recalled that the landlord eventually put the belongings of his family and friends outside the room they were staying in. With no immediate solution, he approached a producer in the hope of getting a film opportunity and earning enough money to deal with the situation.

First Marriage Lasted Only a Short Time

Another lesser-known chapter of Kher’s early life has recently come into focus after his brother Raju Kher spoke about the actor’s first marriage.

According to Raju, Anupam married actress Madhumalti Kapoor at a temple in Lucknow after the two had been in a relationship for around two to three years. However, the marriage did not continue. Raju recalled that Anupam left Lucknow within a day or two, saying that he could not remain there.

Raju also said that the family was not aware of the marriage when it took place. He chose not to investigate the personal reasons behind the separation, describing it as a matter between the two people involved.

The marriage took place before Anupam had entered the Hindi film industry. His move to Mumbai came as he continued pursuing acting, eventually leading to his breakthrough in Mahesh Bhatt’s Saaransh in 1984.

From Early Struggles to a Long Film Career

Kher’s debut in Saaransh became a major turning point. Despite being only 28, he played a much older character, a decision that helped establish his reputation as an actor capable of taking on challenging roles.

His career subsequently expanded across Hindi cinema and television, with hundreds of performances over several decades. He later married actress Kirron Kher in 1985, and the couple have remained together since then.

The contrast between Kher’s uncertain beginnings and his later career is striking. The actor’s recollections of arriving in Mumbai with very little money, struggling for accommodation and continuing to pursue acting despite repeated setbacks have become an important part of the story behind his rise in Indian cinema.