Anupam Kher Reveals Shocking Reason for Living in a Rented Apartment
Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, who turned 69 years old and marked 40 years in the film industry in 2024, has always managed to speak his heart out. Recently, in an interview with a leading publication, Kher revealed his unconventional decision about living in a rented apartment-a choice that betrays his approach to life, family, and even finances.
Anupam Kher’s Philosophy on Renting vs. Owning Property
Talking candidly to Curly Tales, the actor revealed that owning property was never really on his list. “I live in a rented apartment because I decided I do not want to own a house. Kiske liye (for whom)? Pay the rent every month and live. The money that you will buy a house for, keep it in your bank account and use that to pay your rent instead,” Anupam Kher shared. His philosophy is simple yet thought-provoking: he believed it was more practical to keep the money in the bank rather than tying it up in a home. For Kher, living in a rented house offered a flexibility and freedom from the weight of property ownership.
Though this may sound slightly unusual in a country, where property ownership is considered a status symbol, Anupam Kher’s thought process comes from life experiences and a desire for peace of mind. He said, “I did not want anything left behind that people would squabble over if I leave this place.”. “It’s better to give after you go, many years later, and to distribute the money rather than people fighting for your house,” he said. Such an outlook at life lends itself to speaking to his idea about giving and focusing on the joy of living and giving while one lives, rather than saving the wealth as a means to fight over among generations.
However, though he is clear about his personal preference for renting, Anupam Kher is in the way of fulfilling one very important wish to his mother that she wishes for a home of her own. His mother who had spent her entire life in rented accommodations wanted a place of her own, this time in Shimla. It all started with a playfully chatted conversation seven years ago. Anupam kher light-heartedly asked his mother what she wanted as a gift, expecting something small. But much to his surprise, she expressed her wish for a house in Shimla.
Anupam Kher was shocked by the request. He immediately decided on fulfilling it. “She asked for a one-bedroom but I gave her an eight-bedroom house,” he reminisces with a smile. It was a beautiful gesture, not just giving his mother the comfort of her space but also a sense of security she has never in her life. His mother is rather practical; though this grand house exists, she switches off lights in all rooms to keep the electricity bill low.
Anupam Kher bought for his mother an eight-bedroom house as against her requirement of just one bedroom-a perfect example of love and regard for mother. It also reflects on providing for loved ones while they are still around, to make them feel cherished and supported. It is definitely something opposite to what he opted for himself when he preferred living a relatively modest life by staying in an apartment rather than owning property.
His views on wealth and material possessions are largely drawn from his admiration for figures like the late Ratan Tata. As the actor quoted, “Look at him, he is no more, but the kind of life that he lived, he lived in a small house with a small car to travel.” Kher’s simplicity and humility shine through in his lifestyle choices that challenge the common notion that success and happiness come from owning expensive property or flaunting wealth.
While on the professional front, he is garnering accolades for performing as though he is in a different world through his cameo appearance in Vijay 69. This film, available on Netflix, is the inspiring story of a 69-year-old man who takes up the challenge of training for a triathlon. It is as if Anupam has moulded the character of Vijay in that way that each and every critic appreciated his aspects of taking this into a deep and real sense with that character. Vijay 69 is directed by Akshay Roy, also stars Chunky Panday and Mihir Ahuja. The movie has garnered much appreciation for its positive narrative and inspirational content.
From taking a house on rent to making sure that he does something which he knows his mother would ask him to do, Anupam Kher’s life ideology tells much about a practical, responsible life ideology. It reminds us of happiness and success not in material possession but in meaningful relationships and the love we give back to others. The life and career of Kher will always inspire millions by showing it is never too late to open up a new chapter with wisdom, grace, and generosity when age should be no issue anymore.
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