When Robert De Niro Wanted Him Out—How Anupam Kher Held His Ground in Hollywood
Let me tell you a story that perfectly captures what standing up for yourself really looks like—even when you're face to face with your idols. Actor Sikandar Kher recently opened up on a podcast about his stepfather, veteran actor Anupam Kher, and shared a truly jaw-dropping moment from Anupam’s time on the Hollywood film Silver Linings Playbook . And yes, it involves none other than Robert De Niro.
Imagine this: you're an Indian actor in a big Hollywood production, surrounded by stars like Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Tucker, and of course, Robert De Niro. For most people, just being in the room would be enough. But for Anupam Kher, being there wasn’t just about presence—it was about purpose.
During a rehearsal, De Niro—Anupam’s favorite actor, no less—apparently felt that Anupam’s character didn’t fit naturally into a particular scene. He suggested cutting him out entirely. Now, anyone in that position would feel crushed, maybe even quietly step back. But not Anupam. In front of the entire star-studded cast, he stepped forward and made his case. Calm, composed, and confident, he explained to the director, David O. Russell, why his character absolutely belonged in that scene.
It was a bold move. The room went quiet. The director turned to De Niro and asked, “Bob?” De Niro simply nodded, and just like that, Anupam Kher stayed in the scene.
Sikandar, recalling the moment, said he was blown away by how his father handled it. He wasn’t a big Hollywood name. He was “a nobody there,” as Sikandar put it. And yet, he didn’t let that stop him from fighting for what he believed in. It wasn’t about ego—it was about dignity.
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This wasn't the only time Anupam showed that kind of grit. Sikandar also remembered a time early in Anupam’s career when he was dropped from the lead role in Saaransh without even being told. He had no money, was ready to leave Mumbai—but before that, he went straight to director Mahesh Bhatt to confront him. He didn’t just get heard—he got the role back.
Sikandar shared these stories to highlight how his stepfather taught him about perseverance, about facing storms head-on. “A man who is already drenched isn't afraid of the rain,” he said. That line stuck with me.
What makes this whole thing even more poignant is Sikandar’s own journey. Growing up without a strong father figure—his biological and stepfather both deeply committed to their careers—he had to navigate manhood and identity on his own terms. But today, he stands proud, with roles in Aarya , Citadel , Monkey Man , and Monica O My Darling , carrying forward that legacy of resilience.
So here’s to Anupam Kher—not just an actor, but a man who walked into a Hollywood set, stood his ground in front of legends, and walked away with his head held high. Now that’s a masterclass in self-respect.
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