‘If you truly believe in your dream…’: Anupam Kher’s heartfelt message to his 25-year-old self is a lesson on battling fears and showing up despite challenges

Anupam Kher never fails to make our day with his delightful social media entries. The film veteran frequently shares updates about his personal thoughts, inspiring messages and quirky encounters that resonate with fans. This time was no exception, with the 71-year-old taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Kher recalled the time he came to Mumbai with a heart full of dreams and eyes shining with hope, wishing to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry. Now, in his latest X-post, Kher has shared the message he would have given his 25-year-old self this time.

Anupam Kher’s post came with a couple of throwback photos, with the first one being a portfolio shot after he arrived in Mumbai in 1981. As a young man from Shimla, the City of Dreams, Mumbai felt overwhelming to him, an experience that the actor noted felt like a tiny drop in a vast ocean.

Battling self-doubt and finding confidence

Surrounded by seemingly more confident faces and a fast-paced life, Anupam Kher wondered if his ambitions would ever find a place in the city. He also candidly opened up about his struggles with premature balding during those early years, confessing that there were moments when he worried people would notice his hair before recognising his talent.

Even amid the uncertainty, Anupam Kher reminded himself that while appearances could invite judgment, his craft was his greatest strength. The film veteran credited his training at the National School of Drama for giving him the confidence to keep going, while life's hardships instilled in him the hunger to succeed. According to Kher, when determination is backed by relentless hard work, it becomes a powerful force.

The dream that refused to give up

Addressing a question he is often asked, whether he always knew he would make it, Anupam Kher admitted that he never had that certainty. What he did know, however, was that giving up was never an option. The actor reflected that dreams are not fulfilled simply by wishing for them; they become reality through consistent effort, surviving rejection, overcoming fears, and showing up every single day.


Anupam Kher added that when a person truly believes in their dream, the dream gradually begins to believe in them too. Reflecting on the old photographs, he revealed that he no longer sees a struggling actor trying to find his place in Mumbai. Instead, Kher sees a young man who refused to compromise on his dreams despite the odds. Ending his emotional note, the actor shared the one message he would give his 25-year-old self: simply gratitude for never giving up.