A hope shines in the eyes of everyone who steps into the city of dreams, Mumbai. But, keeping that hope alive when there is no money in the pocket is like a sword on a sword. From such a situation, that is, with just 37 rupees, actor Anupam Kher came to Mumbai and wrote a special chapter for himself in the Indian film industry. His journey is inspiring to many.

After completing his training at the National School of Drama from Shimla, Anupam Kher boarded a train to Mumbai to try his luck as an actor. At that time, he had only 37 rupees in his pocket. But, the hope in his heart was as high as the sky. However, the reality of Mumbai was different from his imagination. Even though he went around looking for opportunities, he only faced rejections. He has often recalled that the hardships of that day taught him perseverance.

The days when he saw the underworld were
in 1983, Anupam Kher lived in the same room in Mumbai with his mother, brother and two other friends. He could not pay the rent for three months. The landlord had to move out their belongings and lock the doors. That evening, he had to earn Rs. 2,100 somehow. He had no place to hide, so he finally slept on a beach with a piece of paper.

Before entering the film industry, Anupam married actress Madhumali Kapoor in a temple in Lucknow. After two years of love, they got married, but the day after the wedding, he returned to Mumbai saying that he could not stay here. His brother Raju Kher explained on one occasion that the marriage ended in a single day.

Life changed with 'Saaransh'
The film that turned Anupam Kher's career around was 'Saaransh' (1984). This film opportunity did not come easily to him. At the age of 28, he practiced hard for six months for the role of a 65-year-old man. However, just 10 days before the shooting, he collapsed when he found out that Sanjeev Kumar, who was already a star, was being cast for the role. He decided to leave Mumbai in deep despair. But before leaving, he mustered up the courage and confronted director Mahesh Bhatt. He explained his feelings and the quest he had put in for the role. Bhatt, who recognized the actor in him, gave the role back to Anupam. His performance as a father who lost his son was critically acclaimed. The film became India's official entry for the Oscars in 1985.

Relationship with Kirron Kher
Anupam and Kirron Kher were good friends when they were theater artists in Chandigarh. At that time, both were in separate marriages. Over time, problems arose in their married lives. At the same time, Anupam said that he had fallen in love with her, and their friendship turned into love. They got married on 26 August 1985. By then, Anupam was not yet financially stable. However, Kiran stood by him. Anupam also treated Kiran's son Sikandar from her first marriage as his own. Their bond has been going strong for four decades.

Rise to the top
Starting with just Rs. 37, his journey took him to the heights of Bollywood. He has shown his acting skills with films like Karma, Ram Lakhan, Lamhe, Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and A Wednesday. He crossed the milestone of 500 films in 2016. He has received two National Awards in recognition of his acting. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016. In 2005, he established an acting school named 'Actor Prepares' and is guiding many young actors. It is truly a miracle that a young man who slept on the beach is today a Padma Bhushan recipient and an actor that Indian cinema can be proud of.