The 56th International Film Festival is known as one of the biggest events celebrating Indian cinema. Filmmakers and actors come together to honor their talents and accept awards for their lifelong contributions to the industry.
While most actors embrace the ‘veteran’ title, Anupam Kher took a stand, calling out this stereotype. His session “Giving up is not a choice”, captivated the gatherings of hundreds at Kala Mandir, Panaji, Goa.
In this session, Kher made a bold announcement that he will not accept any “lifetime achievement” awards for the next 20 years. He requested that nobody call him a “veteran,” “thespian,” or “legend.”
These labels suggest that the person’s career is over and that he should retire. Speaking on this matter he said, “ Why should anyone else decide when I should retire? This is why I will not accept any lifetime achievement award for the next 20 years.”
“I still have a lot of work left. Calling my career ‘complete’ feels premature,” he said. “I want to keep learning, exploring, and acting. Giving up is not a choice.”
A Journey of Struggle and Perseverance
Kher opened up this session by sharing the stories from his early life and career. He spoke about the time when he lost and regained his role in ‘Saaransh’ a few days before filming. He had been preparing for the role for six months and the sudden replacement broke his heart.
Sharing his emotional journey he said, “I had prepped for months, and asked Mahesh Bhatt ji ‘Why did you cast me?’ He replied ‘Bald hai na!’” But the shock came later: “I was told I have been replaced by Sanjeev Kumar. I got so angry… maine Mahesh Bhatt ko jaakar bola ‘aap duniya ke number one fraud ho. Main Brahmin hoon, main aapko shraap deta hoon!’”
He packed up and rushed towards the taxi when Mahesh Bhatt looked out and shouted, “Waapas aaja.” Anupam Kher said that he could’ve gone if he let his ego win, but he went back inside because ‘Giving up was never a choice for him.’
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A rough patch with Hollywood Actor Robert De Niro
Adding to the story, Kher shared his struggles on the set of Silver Linings Playbook. There was a moment when De Niro suggested that Kher’s character shouldn’t be the part of the scene.
De Niro refused to meet him and threw him out in the cold and no one gave me sweater. Kher stood outside for 45 minutes. He said that he had decided “Mujhe kaam hi nhi karna hai Hollywood mein.”
Instead of accepting his fate, Kher stood for his character and argued with the director. He said that there are eight characters, and they were asking only him for the interpretation, just because Mr. De Niro had said so?
“Bob (Robert) doesn’t meet anyone before the shot, par main Hindustani tha, peeche padh gaya.” Later Robert invite him into his van and agreed for the role and a new friendship was born. Recalling the same Kher said, “Today I feel proud that I can call Mr Robert de Niro one of my friends… giving up was not a choice.”
Anupam Kher has admitted that he is signing his 550th film in December this year. His recent release was Tanvi The Great where he not only acted but also directed and produced it. He played a major role in Vivek Agnihotri’s political drama, Bengal Files, which premiered on Zee5 on 21 November 2025.
Written By Supriya