Veteran actor Anupam Kher has received a special appreciation from filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, the director who introduced him to Hindi cinema with the 1984 film Saaransh. More than four decades after their first collaboration, Bhatt has written an emotional letter reflecting on Kher's remarkable journey as an actor and his latest association with Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part One.
Kher, who made his Bollywood debut at the age of 28, portrayed B.V. Pradhan, a 65-year-old retired schoolteacher, in Saaransh. Today, at a different stage of his career, he has lent his voice to Jatayu, the legendary bird from the Ramayana. The contrast between these two roles prompted Bhatt to reflect on how far the actor has travelled.
Sharing the filmmaker's letter on Instagram, Kher expressed gratitude and described the message as a beautiful acknowledgement of his 42 years in the film industry.
Mahesh Bhatt's Heartfelt Letter for Anupam Kher
In his letter, Mahesh Bhatt celebrated Kher's growth as an actor and as an individual. Drawing a connection between his debut performance in Saaransh and his latest role in Ramayana, the filmmaker wrote, "From B. V. Pradhan in Saaransh to Jatayu in Ramayana — what a journey. The rise and the rise and the rise of you. I am so happy for you."
Bhatt's message was not limited to Kher's professional achievements. He also spoke about noticing a change in the actor's personality when he met him in Sweden.
The filmmaker recalled watching Kher interact with people and observing the attention he gave to everyone he met. He particularly noticed the way the actor shook hands and made people feel that they had his complete attention.
Bhatt wrote that Kher had never appeared so confident and comfortable with himself. He felt that the actor had reached a stage of personal growth that was visible in his behaviour and presence.
Bhatt Remembers a Powerful Scene From Saaransh
One of the most emotional parts of the letter came when Bhatt revisited a memorable moment from Saaransh.
The 1984 film revolved around B.V. Pradhan and his wife Parvati, played by Rohini Hattangadi. The elderly couple struggle to cope with the death of their only son, Ajay, who is killed during a robbery in New York.
Bhatt recalled a scene in which Pradhan lets go of his son's ashes and notices an elderly woman playing with children in a park. The filmmaker described Kher's expression in that moment as a 'Buddha moment'.
According to Bhatt, the experience of portraying such profound grief seemed to have remained with Kher over the years. He felt he could see something of that emotional depth again when he met the actor in Sweden.
The filmmaker suggested that life's experiences had shaped Kher's personality and that the confidence he now carries reflects a deeper understanding of himself.
For Bhatt, the connection between that early performance and Kher's present-day personality made their long association especially meaningful.
From a 28-Year-Old Actor to a Celebrated Performer
Mahesh Bhatt also remembered his first meeting with Kher at his home in Mumbai's Pali Hill neighbourhood. At the time, Kher was 28 years old, while Bhatt was 34.
The filmmaker reflected on how neither of them could have predicted what would follow that meeting. Their first collaboration became an important starting point for Kher's career, while their association developed into a long-lasting professional and personal bond.
Saaransh, released on May 25, 1984, remains one of the most significant films in Kher's career. His portrayal of an elderly father was widely appreciated, particularly because he was playing a character much older than his actual age.
Mahesh Bhatt said that watching Kher reach places he could never have taken him to as a filmmaker filled him with happiness. He also expressed hope that the actor's journey would inspire a young person from a small town to come to Mumbai with the dream of making a career in cinema.
He concluded his letter by expressing how proud and happy Kher's achievements made him.
Anupam Kher Calls the Letter a Certificate for 42 Years of Work
Kher was deeply moved by Mahesh Bhatt's message. Sharing the letter on Instagram, he said he was the happiest man on earth and had not expected such an emotional acknowledgement.
The actor described receiving the letter as getting the most beautiful certificate for 42 years of work. He particularly valued the appreciation because it came from the person who had first opened the doors of cinema for him.
Kher also expressed his affection and gratitude towards Bhatt, describing him as much more than the director of his debut film. He called him his mentor, friend and teacher.
The actor thanked Bhatt for believing in him and recognising his journey. He also promised to continue working hard and making the filmmaker proud, adding that he would be happy to receive similar letters from him in the future.
Anupam Kher's New Chapter as Jatayu in Ramayana
Kher's latest association with Ramayana: Part One has given his career another significant milestone. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
Kher lends his voice to Jatayu, the divine bird who attempts to save Sita from Ravana when she is abducted. The character plays an important role in the epic's narrative.
The film was released in theatres on November 5, 2026, and has attracted attention for its scale, visual effects and ensemble cast.
From the emotional world of Saaransh to the mythological universe of Ramayana, Kher's journey reflects more than four decades of changing roles and cinematic experiences.
For Mahesh Bhatt, seeing the actor's growth has been a deeply personal experience. And for Kher, receiving appreciation from the filmmaker who gave him his first opportunity has made this milestone even more special.
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