Anupam Kher sparked online controversy during his appearance on Chalchitra Talks while promoting his latest film ‘Tanvi the Great’. He stressed the importance of thorough research and indirectly took a jab at entrepreneur and podcaster Raj Shamani, calling him “fake” in a veiled remark.
Exchange about film viewership
The conversation took a turn when Anupam Kher asked the host if he had seen his film, ‘Tanvi the Great’. The host’s admission that he hadn’t surprised Kher, who then emphasized the importance for podcast hosts—especially those discussing films—to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about their guests’ recent projects. Kher stated, “You should always research your guests and watch their latest films before inviting them. Otherwise, what is the point?" He also insisted that this exchange should remain uncut in the final version of the podcast.
Unnamed life advice reference
The actor elaborated on why he made that point. Though he didn’t mention names, Kher referred to a previous podcast appearance, which seemed to be Raj Shamani’s, where he was asked for life guidance. He recalled, “He asked me, ‘If you had to give me advice, what would it be?’ I didn’t say it on my own. Then I gave him a long piece of advice. I told him, ‘Son, don’t let success change you. Success should mean becoming more humble. While you sound humble, the atmosphere in your office feels different. You’ve come from a small town, and that simplicity should remain.’"
Advice segment removed, Kher’s disapproval
Kher disclosed that the podcaster removed that segment of his advice from the final cut. He expressed his dissatisfaction bluntly, stating, “That means he is fake. Because you asked me for advice, and then you cut out the part I said. Whenever I hear him talk about genuineness, I’ll always question that."
Raj Shamani’s silence and fans’ speculation
Raj Shamani, who featured Kher on his podcast last month, has not issued any response to the recent comments. However, many fans believe that Kher’s pointed criticism was meant for him.
Kher’s personal confession
On Shamani’s podcast, Kher also shared a heartfelt confession about his regret over not having children. The 69-year-old actor revealed that the feeling of emptiness grew stronger after he turned 60. He said, “I am very fond of children. My foundation does a lot of work for them. I used to host a children’s show called Say Na Something to Anupam Uncle. Somebody once asked me if I feel the absence of a child in my life, and I said yes—it’s the truth."
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