Anupam Kher: Biography, Family, Health, and Career Guide

Anupam Kher’s face is one of the most familiar in Indian cinema, yet the story behind it—the hair loss, the facial paralysis, the family choices—is less known. Born in Shimla in 1955, he has appeared in over 540 films and 100 plays, but his off-screen life includes a wife battling multiple myeloma, an adopted son, and a high-profile departure from a hit American TV series. This guide gathers the confirmed facts, addresses the lingering questions, and separates what is known from what remains unclear.

Born: 7 March 1955 ·
Age: 69 ·
Spouse: Kirron Kher ·
Children: 1 stepson (Sikandar Kher) ·
Notable Awards: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan ·
Years Active: 1982–present

Seven key facts, one pattern: Anupam Kher’s life is marked by early career success, a sudden health scare, and a family that has weathered serious illness together.

Does Anupam Kher Have a Biological Child?

No, Anupam Kher does not have a biological child. He is the stepfather of actor Sikandar Kher, who is the son of his wife Kirron Kher from a previous relationship. Sikandar was brought into the marriage by Kirron, and Anupam has publicly referred to him as his son (Wikipedia entry for Anupam Kher).

Who is the adopted son of Anupam Kher?

Sikandar Kher, born in 1982, is an actor in the Indian film industry. He has appeared in films such as Kyaa Kool Hai Hum and A Wednesday! (IMDb profile for Sikandar Kher). Anupam Kher has often spoken about his bond with Sikandar, describing him as “my son, my pride.”

Does Anupam Kher have any children from his first wife?

There is no public record of children from his first marriage. The identity of his first wife and the details of that marriage remain private, but no known children exist from that union.

What Happened to Anupam Kher’s Face?

Anupam Kher experienced a sudden facial paralysis during the filming of the 1991 film Hum. He has described the incident in interviews, saying that half his face became immobile (Hindustan Times interview). The condition was later diagnosed as Bell’s palsy, a temporary paralysis of the facial nerve.

When did Anupam Kher lose his hair?

Kher lost his hair at a young age, reportedly in his 20s. He has spoken openly about his baldness, often making light of it in interviews. The exact cause of his hair loss has not been publicly documented, but it is widely attributed to male pattern baldness.

Did Anupam Kher suffer from Bell’s palsy?

Yes, the facial paralysis he experienced during the filming of Hum is widely reported as Bell’s palsy (Hindustan Times interview). He recovered fully and continued acting, but the episode remains a notable chapter in his health history.

What is the Illness of Anupam Kher’s Wife?

Kirron Kher, Anupam Kher’s wife, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021 (NDTV report on Kirron Kher diagnosis). Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells that affects the bone marrow. She has undergone treatment including chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.

How is Kirron Kher’s multiple myeloma treated?

Kirron Kher’s treatment has included chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and a stem cell transplant. In a social media post, Anupam Kher shared that she was responding well to treatment (NDTV update on Kirron Kher).

What is the prognosis for multiple myeloma?

With modern treatment, multiple myeloma is not curable but can be managed for many years. The survival rate has improved significantly due to new therapies. According to the National Cancer Institute website, the five-year survival rate for multiple myeloma is about 55%.

The implication: Kirron Kher’s diagnosis has been a major personal challenge for the family, but Anupam Kher has consistently supported her and kept her treatment journey transparent with fans.

Why Did Anupam Kher Leave His First Wife?

Anupam Kher’s first marriage ended in divorce before he married Kirron Kher in 1985. The identity of his first wife and the reasons for the divorce have not been publicly confirmed (Wikipedia entry for Anupam Kher).

Who was Anupam Kher’s first wife?

Her name is not widely reported in reliable sources. Anupam Kher has rarely spoken about his first marriage, and media speculation remains unconfirmed.

What led to the divorce?

No specific reasons have been disclosed. The divorce is a private matter that Kher has chosen not to discuss publicly.

The trade-off: While fans are curious about his first marriage, Kher’s silence underscores his commitment to protecting his family’s privacy.

Why Did Anupam Kher Quit New Amsterdam?

Anupam Kher played Dr. Vijay Kapoor on the NBC medical drama New Amsterdam from 2018 to 2022. He left the show after the third season (Variety article on New Amsterdam exit).

What role did Anupam Kher play in New Amsterdam?

He portrayed Dr. Vijay Kapoor, a compassionate and experienced oncologist. The role brought him international recognition and a new fan base outside India.

Was Anupam Kher’s departure from New Amsterdam planned?

NBC cited creative reasons for his departure. Kher himself released a statement expressing gratitude for the experience, saying, “I got a call from my agent saying ‘You are going to be a part of something big.’ And it was indeed big” (Anupam Kher’s Facebook post).

What this means: Kher’s exit from New Amsterdam was not a result of controversy but a decision by the show’s creative team. He has since continued working in both Indian and international projects.

Anupam Kher’s career spans more than four decades, but his personal life—his health scares, his wife’s illness, and his family choices—reveals a man who has navigated both triumph and adversity with remarkable openness. For fans of Indian cinema, the takeaway is clear: the actor behind the screen is as resilient as the characters he plays.

A deeper look at his challenging personal life reveals his wifes cancer and Bells palsy journey and the reasons behind his departure from New Amsterdam.

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