Anupam Kher completes 50 years in cinema, pens emotional tribute to Mumbai: ‘Mumbai has given me everything’

The pictures included a throwback image from his early days at the National School of Drama, a screenshot of a message sent by a close school friend, and two recent photographs of himself.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career in the film industry on December 15 as he completed 50 years.

On Monday night, Anupam Kher took to his Instagram account to post a series of nostalgic photographs accompanied by a long, emotional note.

The pictures included a throwback image from his early days at the National School of Drama, a screenshot of a message sent by a close school friend, and two recent photographs of himself.

He shared a picture from his old days at the National School of Drama, followed by a screenshot of a message sent by a school friend. He also shared two of his recent pictures.

Remembering his school friend who reminded him of his first day in Mumbai 50 years ago, Anupam wrote, “MY GOLDEN JUBILEE IN MUMBAI". My friend and classmate #SuhasKhandke from the #NationalSchoolOfDrama sent me a beautiful message this morning (2nd Pic) about my first ever visit to Mumbai (then Bombay) and informed me that I came to this beautiful #CityOfDreams first the time today, i.e 15th of December 1975!"

Further, he mentioned his initial experience in Mumbai, he continued, "Exactly FIFTY years ago. I was in the first year of Drama School. I stayed with Suhas for 10days! As a 20year old young boy I was completely mesmerised by the energy and the magnanimity of #Bombay! Suhas lived on #WalkeshwerRoad. So I watched the vastness of the ocean for the first time in my life! I felt the people of this city were very different from other parts of the country! Today I have a word for them - CHILLED!"

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A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher)

Reflecting on how Mumbai shaped both his life and career, the actor expressed deep gratitude toward the city. "When I reflect on these years I realise that this city of #Mumbai has given me EVERYTHING! It gave me DREAMS and then helped me make them COME TRUE! 41years in cinema, almost 550 films, friends, success that humbled me, failure that taught me so many things! Thank you MUMBAI for your blessings and kindness! And the ordinary person on the streets of Mumbai is actually extraordinary!" the actor added.

While concluding the post, Anupam also recalled his dear friend and late actor Satish Kaushik. "They are the heartbeats of this city. I salute them. Thanks Suhas my friend for this joyous memory! The first pic is from a play we did #EkAurDronacharya. It was directed by none other than my jigri dost #SatishKaushik! Miss him! Jai Ho MUMBAI!"

The post also included the message sent by Suhas Khandke, Anupam Kher’s longtime friend, which read, “Hey brother, today marks the completion of 50 years, since you first stepped into Mumbai. For our winter vacation in 1st year, we boarded the train on 14th Dec 1975, to arrive in Mumbai on 15th December. It proved to be an extremely auspicious day for you. Congratulations dear Anupam for your successful Golden Jubilee in the city of dreams."

Also read: Anupam Kher hails Dhurandhar as a 'fearless, big-hearted' triumph; reveals he told Aditya Dhar, 'Mata chadh gayi hai kya?'

Over the decades, Anupam Kher has been part of numerous blockbuster films and cult classics, including Saaransh, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Chandni, Beta, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Veer-Zaara, The Kashmir Files, Dabangg, Special 26, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, and many others.

Most recently, the veteran actor returned to direction with Tanvi The Great. The film tells the story of a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum who lives with her mother and grandfather.