I don't please everyone: Anupam Kher's cryptic post after Ram Mandir theft remark
Anupam Kher shared a video after criticism over his remarks on the Ram Mandir donation theft in Ayodhya. In an X video on Sunday, the actor said he speaks fearlessly because he does not try to please everyone.
Actor Anupam Kher on Sunday shared a video on social media amid backlash for calling Ram Mandir donation theft 'minor' compared to Mughal-era atrocities. The 71-year-old said he speaks fearlessly on certain issues because he does not try to please everyone.
The video resurfaced after a section of social media users criticised Anupam Kher's remarks on the Ram Mandir donation theft, with Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav among those who objected.
Responding to Kher's comments, Yadav wrote, "This is a strange argument that no one should say anything to the thief, but those who catch the theft should be lectured. There must be some reason for such sympathy towards thieves, or some political compulsion (sic)."
In a new and cryptic message on X, Kher said, “Many people ask me how I manage to speak so fearlessly about certain topics. Do not I fear becoming unpopular? My straightforward answer is that perhaps it is because I do not try to please everyone.”
He said keeping everyone happy was one of the most difficult tasks in life and asked who in the world had ever been liked by everyone. He added that the moment a person decides to become everyone’s favourite, people begin using them according to their own convenience.
Kher said that when a person starts saying what others want to hear, they can lose themselves along the way. “I have a philosophy in life: first, try to become your own favourite,” he continued.
The actor added that a person should be able to look at themselves in the mirror and feel that they are a good person. If they do not feel that way, he said, they should change themselves not for the world, but for their own growth. He also said that neither he nor anyone else had taken responsibility for keeping the entire world happy.
Backdrop to the controversy
The post came after criticism over Kher’s remarks on the Ram Mandir donation theft during his Ayodhya visit in an exclusive interview with India Today.
Responding to the row later, he said he did not consider himself so significant that Yadav needed to write about him.
Kher also alleged that Yadav’s team had shown him only half of his statement for convenience and said that this had led to the reaction. He urged Yadav to read his complete comment and said he believed the Samajwadi Party leader would agree with him after doing so.
He also said that, being a Sanatani, Yadav would know that such thefts could not harm the prestige of Lord Shri Ram.
Upcoming film
Earlier on May 29, Kher announced his next film, titled Shri Ram Bhoomi. The project will be directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, who recently helmed The Kerala Story 2.
Announcing the film on social media, Kher said he felt immense joy and pride in being part of the project. He shared a picture from the set in which he was seen holding the clapperboard. The board carried the title Ram Bhoomi, and the actor said the film would mark his 552nd project.
The film also features Ritwik Bhowmik and Amruta Khanvilkar. It is backed by Anuya Chauhan Kudecha, Ritesh Kudecha, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Raedita, Akash Shah, Pranay Chokshi, Kalapi Shah, Kranti Shanbhag, Girish Johar and Meet Mojo.
The first look of Shri Ram Bhoomi appears to hint at the history surrounding the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. However, there has been no official confirmation on the storyline, and the makers have not announced the release date.
Actor Anupam Kher on Sunday shared a video on social media amid backlash for calling Ram Mandir donation theft 'minor' compared to Mughal-era atrocities. The 71-year-old said he speaks fearlessly on certain issues because he does not try to please everyone.
The video resurfaced after a section of social media users criticised Anupam Kher's remarks on the Ram Mandir donation theft, with Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav among those who objected.
Responding to Kher's comments, Yadav wrote, "This is a strange argument that no one should say anything to the thief, but those who catch the theft should be lectured. There must be some reason for such sympathy towards thieves, or some political compulsion (sic)."
In a new and cryptic message on X, Kher said, “Many people ask me how I manage to speak so fearlessly about certain topics. Do not I fear becoming unpopular? My straightforward answer is that perhaps it is because I do not try to please everyone.”
He said keeping everyone happy was one of the most difficult tasks in life and asked who in the world had ever been liked by everyone. He added that the moment a person decides to become everyone’s favourite, people begin using them according to their own convenience.
Kher said that when a person starts saying what others want to hear, they can lose themselves along the way. “I have a philosophy in life: first, try to become your own favourite,” he continued.
The actor added that a person should be able to look at themselves in the mirror and feel that they are a good person. If they do not feel that way, he said, they should change themselves not for the world, but for their own growth. He also said that neither he nor anyone else had taken responsibility for keeping the entire world happy.
Backdrop to the controversy
The post came after criticism over Kher’s remarks on the Ram Mandir donation theft during his Ayodhya visit in an exclusive interview with India Today.
Responding to the row later, he said he did not consider himself so significant that Yadav needed to write about him.
Kher also alleged that Yadav’s team had shown him only half of his statement for convenience and said that this had led to the reaction. He urged Yadav to read his complete comment and said he believed the Samajwadi Party leader would agree with him after doing so.
He also said that, being a Sanatani, Yadav would know that such thefts could not harm the prestige of Lord Shri Ram.
Upcoming film
Earlier on May 29, Kher announced his next film, titled Shri Ram Bhoomi. The project will be directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, who recently helmed The Kerala Story 2.
Announcing the film on social media, Kher said he felt immense joy and pride in being part of the project. He shared a picture from the set in which he was seen holding the clapperboard. The board carried the title Ram Bhoomi, and the actor said the film would mark his 552nd project.
The film also features Ritwik Bhowmik and Amruta Khanvilkar. It is backed by Anuya Chauhan Kudecha, Ritesh Kudecha, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Raedita, Akash Shah, Pranay Chokshi, Kalapi Shah, Kranti Shanbhag, Girish Johar and Meet Mojo.
The first look of Shri Ram Bhoomi appears to hint at the history surrounding the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. However, there has been no official confirmation on the storyline, and the makers have not announced the release date.
