Anupam Kher (born 7 March 1955) is an Indian actor and the former Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India. He has appeared in over 500 films, predominantly in Hindi films, and many plays.[1] He is a recipient of two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards.[2]
Besides working in Hindi films, he has also appeared in international films such as the Golden Globe nominated Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Ang Lee's Golden Lion–winning Lust, Caution (2007), David O. Russell's Oscar-winning Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and Anthony Maras' Hotel Mumbai (2019). He received a BAFTA nomination for his supporting role in the British television sitcom The Boy with the Topknot (2018).[3]
He has previously served as the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification and the National School of Drama in India.[4] The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contribution in the field of cinema and arts.
Kher was appointed Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in October 2017.[5] His appointment was controversial, given his support for the Bharatiya Janata Party[6][7][8] and perceived endorsement of Hindutva ideology, as well as prolonged absence from FTII.[9] A year later, he resigned as the chairman of the FTII, citing his work commitments for the American TV show New Amsterdam.[10]
