Entertainment > Bollywood
Updated at: Mar 07, 2026 11:10 IST
The Marathon Man: Celebrating 71 years of Anupam Kher’s versatile brilliance on his birthday
Legendary actor Anupam Kher celebrates his 71st birthday today. Dubbed as the "Marathon Man of Indian Cinema" at the Cannes Film Festival, Kher continues to defy age and expectations, having recently commenced work on his 550th film, Khosla Ka Ghosla 2.From his staggering debut as a 65-year-old grieving father when he was just 28, to his latest directorial venture 'Tanvi The Great', Kher's journey is a masterclass in reinvention. On the occasion of his birthday, we look back at the many acting roles of a man who has truly mastered them all.
1 / 5
Saaransh (1984)
It is rare for an actor to find their "role of a lifetime" in their debut, yet Kher did exactly that as B.B. Pradhan. His portrayal of an elderly man battling a corrupt system and personal loss remains a benchmark for emotional depth in Bollywood, earning him his first Filmfare Best Actor Award.
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2 / 5
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
If Saaransh showed his soul, DDLJ showed his heart. As Dharamvir Malhotra, the "coolest dad" in cinema history, Kher’s impeccable comic timing and warmth redefined the father-son dynamic on screen.
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3 / 5
Karma (1986)
Kher proved he could be just as terrifying as he was tender with his portrayal of Dr. Dang. His cold, calculated performance as the antagonist in Subhash Ghai’s blockbuster cemented his status as a versatile powerhouse who could hold his own against legends like Dilip Kumar.
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4 / 5
A Wednesday! (2008)
Playing a weary but determined police commissioner, Kher’s performance anchored this high-stakes thriller. His nuanced portrayal of a man stuck between the law and a common man's justice remains one of his most critically acclaimed outings.
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5 / 5
Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006)
As Kamal Kishore Khosla, Kher became the face of the Indian middle class. His fight against a land shark was both hilarious and deeply moving, a role so beloved that Kher is currently filming its long-awaited sequel as his 550th cinematic venture.
