Explained: How Anupam Kher's Ram Mandir theft remarks led to a controversy
Anupam Kher said the reported theft at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir should be treated as a crime driven by greed, not as a stain on the temple or faith. His remarks drew backlash online after he compared the episode with far graver historical attacks on temples.
Actor Anupam Kher found himself at the centre of a social media row after calling the alleged theft at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir a "minor thing". In an exclusive interview with India Today during his Ayodhya visit, where he was shooting for his next film, Shri Ram Bhoomi, the 71-year-old actor said the incident should be seen as an act of theft and greed, and not as something that damages the standing of the temple or the faith linked to it.
Kher argued that a thief remains a thief, whether from outside or within, and said the alleged theft should not be given a wider communal or religious colour. Drawing comparisons with the destruction and looting of temples during the Mughal era, he described the present incident as "a very, very minor thing" in comparison.
Hours after his remarks triggered criticism on social media, Kher shared a cryptic post about speaking "fearlessly". But what exactly did he say?
What Anupam Kher said about the theft
Speaking to India Today's Suyesha Sawant, Kher said thefts can happen anywhere, including in museums, temples and homes. He said he, too, wondered how someone could steal from the treasury of a recently established temple, but added that the basic issue should not be confused.
According to him, those involved are thieves, and whether they are in civilian clothes or professional thieves is a separate matter. "This is theft. It happens in museums, temples and even homes. I too wondered how someone could steal from the treasury of such a newly established temple. But we should not confuse one issue with another. A thief is a thief," he said.
The actor remarked that people should not react as though theft at a temple was impossible. He added whether those involved were insiders or outsiders was a separate matter, saying, "Whether they are ordinary people or professional thieves is a separate issue."
His remarks on religion and greed
Kher said there was an attempt to give the issue a particular colour. He said his point was that temples had faced destruction over many years, mentioning Kashmir and Somnath, and referred to periods of rule by people who, he said, did not believe in Sanatan, the religion, or temples. He said that despite all that, the faith had not been blemished.
He said, "If an outsider steals from a house, he is a thief. If a member of the household steals, that person is also a thief. That does not make the entire household dishonest." The actor stressed that similar frauds can occur anywhere, saying, "It can happen in temples, churches and mosques. A person driven by greed has nothing to do with religion."
Why Anupam Kher called the matter 'minor'?
When asked what kind of reforms could help temple management, Kher said such fraud can happen anywhere and in connection with anything. He added that such incidents should not happen, but they can take place, and said similar acts can happen in temples, churches and mosques because a person driven by greed has nothing to do with religion.
Kher also said there had been large-scale looting when temples were destroyed in earlier periods, including under Mughal rulers.
He said, "Temples were plundered when the Mughals destroyed them; they were looted when Mughal kings killed Brahmins and weighed the sacred threads stripped from their bodies. Plunder occurred when numerous Mughal emperors arrived and carted away everything from the temples; it occurred when women were raped within temple premises. That is a far greater issue. If we overcame that, then I believe this is a very minor matter – simply a case of human greed on the part of a few individuals."
Watch the clip here:
Hours later, Kher faced backlash on social media over his remarks, particularly over his description of the Ram Mandir donation theft as minor when compared with atrocities from the Mughal era.
After the criticism, he shared a cryptic post that read: "Many people ask me how I manage to speak so fearlessly about certain topics. Do I not fear becoming unpopular? My straightforward answer is that perhaps it is because I do not try to please everyone (sic)."
See the post here:
All about the film Shri Ram Bhoomi
Earlier this year, on May 29, Anupam Kher announced his next film, Shri Ram Bhoomi. The actor shared the update on social media, expressing his excitement about joining the project and posting a photograph from the set in which he was seen holding the film's clapperboard. He also revealed that the film marks the 552nd project of his career.
Kher will be playing the role of Ashok Singhal, the late Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader who was a key figure and chief architect of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the film also stars Ritwik Bhowmik and Amruta Khanvilkar. Shri Ram Bhoomi is produced by Anuya Chauhan Kudecha, Ritesh Kudecha, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Raedita, Akash Shah, Pranay Chokshi, Kalapi Shah, Kranti Shanbhag, Girish Johar and Meet Mojo.
Actor Anupam Kher found himself at the centre of a social media row after calling the alleged theft at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir a "minor thing". In an exclusive interview with India Today during his Ayodhya visit, where he was shooting for his next film, Shri Ram Bhoomi, the 71-year-old actor said the incident should be seen as an act of theft and greed, and not as something that damages the standing of the temple or the faith linked to it.
Kher argued that a thief remains a thief, whether from outside or within, and said the alleged theft should not be given a wider communal or religious colour. Drawing comparisons with the destruction and looting of temples during the Mughal era, he described the present incident as "a very, very minor thing" in comparison.
Hours after his remarks triggered criticism on social media, Kher shared a cryptic post about speaking "fearlessly". But what exactly did he say?
What Anupam Kher said about the theft
Speaking to India Today's Suyesha Sawant, Kher said thefts can happen anywhere, including in museums, temples and homes. He said he, too, wondered how someone could steal from the treasury of a recently established temple, but added that the basic issue should not be confused.
According to him, those involved are thieves, and whether they are in civilian clothes or professional thieves is a separate matter. "This is theft. It happens in museums, temples and even homes. I too wondered how someone could steal from the treasury of such a newly established temple. But we should not confuse one issue with another. A thief is a thief," he said.
The actor remarked that people should not react as though theft at a temple was impossible. He added whether those involved were insiders or outsiders was a separate matter, saying, "Whether they are ordinary people or professional thieves is a separate issue."
His remarks on religion and greed
Kher said there was an attempt to give the issue a particular colour. He said his point was that temples had faced destruction over many years, mentioning Kashmir and Somnath, and referred to periods of rule by people who, he said, did not believe in Sanatan, the religion, or temples. He said that despite all that, the faith had not been blemished.
He said, "If an outsider steals from a house, he is a thief. If a member of the household steals, that person is also a thief. That does not make the entire household dishonest." The actor stressed that similar frauds can occur anywhere, saying, "It can happen in temples, churches and mosques. A person driven by greed has nothing to do with religion."
Why Anupam Kher called the matter 'minor'?
When asked what kind of reforms could help temple management, Kher said such fraud can happen anywhere and in connection with anything. He added that such incidents should not happen, but they can take place, and said similar acts can happen in temples, churches and mosques because a person driven by greed has nothing to do with religion.
Kher also said there had been large-scale looting when temples were destroyed in earlier periods, including under Mughal rulers.
He said, "Temples were plundered when the Mughals destroyed them; they were looted when Mughal kings killed Brahmins and weighed the sacred threads stripped from their bodies. Plunder occurred when numerous Mughal emperors arrived and carted away everything from the temples; it occurred when women were raped within temple premises. That is a far greater issue. If we overcame that, then I believe this is a very minor matter – simply a case of human greed on the part of a few individuals."
Watch the clip here:
Hours later, Kher faced backlash on social media over his remarks, particularly over his description of the Ram Mandir donation theft as minor when compared with atrocities from the Mughal era.
After the criticism, he shared a cryptic post that read: "Many people ask me how I manage to speak so fearlessly about certain topics. Do I not fear becoming unpopular? My straightforward answer is that perhaps it is because I do not try to please everyone (sic)."
See the post here:
All about the film Shri Ram Bhoomi
Earlier this year, on May 29, Anupam Kher announced his next film, Shri Ram Bhoomi. The actor shared the update on social media, expressing his excitement about joining the project and posting a photograph from the set in which he was seen holding the film's clapperboard. He also revealed that the film marks the 552nd project of his career.
Kher will be playing the role of Ashok Singhal, the late Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader who was a key figure and chief architect of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the film also stars Ritwik Bhowmik and Amruta Khanvilkar. Shri Ram Bhoomi is produced by Anuya Chauhan Kudecha, Ritesh Kudecha, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Raedita, Akash Shah, Pranay Chokshi, Kalapi Shah, Kranti Shanbhag, Girish Johar and Meet Mojo.
