Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher offered a glimpse into his personal life during one of his recent interviews, where he opened up about the highs and lows of his marriage with actress and politician Kirron Kher. The actor spoke about the emotional labour required in long-term relationships and challenged modern-day notions of love and compatibility.
During a conversation with Raj Shamani, Kher said, “I accepted the fact that there will be failures in life, and that you have to work at yourself. That’s why I have achieved success both professionally and personally. It’s not like I have the best marriage in the world.”
'I have hurt her sometime'
He continued, “Exhaustion is a part of any relationship. At some stage, that so-called fire may disappear. But memories will remain, and your intention to work on the relationship will remain. That is what has remained in my relationship. I know I have hurt her sometimes, but what I have kept alive is my respect for her, my compassion, and my togetherness of emotion.”
Anupam and Kirron tied the knot in 1985, following her separation from her first husband, Gautam Berry. She has a son, Sikandar Kher, from her previous marriage.
Kher on compatibility before marriage
When asked if he believes compatibility is essential before marriage, Kher dismissed the idea with a thought-provoking take. “How long have your parents been married? Did they look for compatibility? Did my parents look for compatibility? I like to accept people as they are, and I like people who want to explore. I just feel, kya ukhaad loge compatibility dhoond ke?”
Reflecting on changing relationship dynamics in today’s era, he added, “The moment you find a person who is 10 percent, 20 percent, or maximum 30 percent (on your wavelength) get married to them. Discover the relationship afterwards. Love is the most confusing emotion in today’s time. You live with somebody, or you are in a relationship with somebody to discover what kind of person they are. But there is no sense of amazement, there is no sense of wonder about that person. I think a relationship should (turn into a marriage) when it is still being discovered. The rest of the things can be discovered over life.”
Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor is gearing up for the release of his directorial Tanvi: The Great.
