'It went from Rs 250 to now Rs 25,000': Actor Anupam Kher reveals his one surprising tradition with Mahesh Bhatt after every movie

Renowned actor Anupam Kher is currently working on a new film set in Varanasi, inspired by the themes of his 1984 breakthrough film Saaransh. The veteran star, who made his acting debut with the Mahesh Bhatt directorial, recently opened up about a unique tradition he has continued for decades to express gratitude to the filmmaker who gave him his first big break.

Why Anupam Kher gives money to Mahesh Bhatt after every film?

In a recent interaction with Pinkvilla, Anupam Kher shared that he still follows a ritual of giving money to Mahesh Bhatt after completing every film. What makes the story interesting is how the amount has evolved over the years, from a humble Rs 250 to a much larger sum today.

Recalling how it all began, he explained that during the early days of his career, he would give the director Rs 250 after each film as a token of appreciation. Over time, as his career grew and inflation set in, the amount gradually increased. Today, the actor gives Rs 25,000 after every project. He humorously remarked that this steady rise is simply a reflection of changing times and rising costs.



The actor further described the practice as more of a symbolic gesture than a financial transaction. According to him, the ritual holds emotional value and represents his respect for Mahesh Bhatt, whom he considers his “guru.”

Anupam Kher shared, "It went from Rs 250 to Rs 500 to Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 and now is Rs 25,000. I just gave him an envelope last week. Now he just holds the envelope and he knows how much is in it. But I really like it. It’s more of a ritual than anything else. It’s a comedy."

Earlier, the actor also opened up about the difficult phase from the making of Saaransh, which remains one of the most defining films of his career. He revealed that despite preparing extensively for the role, he was briefly replaced by veteran actor Sanjeev Kumar just days before the shoot. The decision left him devastated and on the verge of quitting the film industry altogether.

However, before leaving Mumbai, Anupam decided to confront Mahesh Bhatt. He recalled approaching the director and expressing his disappointment openly. In that emotionally charged moment, he even lashed out at Bhatt, calling him out for his decision. The confrontation, though intense, proved to be a turning point. The director reconsidered his choice and reinstated Anupam Kher in the film.



That decision changed everything. Saaransh went on to become a landmark film and established Anupam Kher as a powerful performer in the industry. Looking back, the actor acknowledges that the film not only launched his career but also shaped his journey in cinema.

On Anupam Kher's professional front

On the work front, Kher continues to remain active and passionate about filmmaking. He recently directed his second film, Tanvi The Great, and has also begun work on his 550th project, Khosla Ka Ghosla 2. Calling this milestone an “interval point” in his life, the actor expressed gratitude for the love and support he has received over the years.