Anupam Kher opens up about the privilege of performing Satish Shah's daughter's Kanyadaan one day
Mumbai, July 15
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has opened up about the special bond he shares with late actor Satish Shah's daughter, Vanshika.
In his latest post, he recalled an emotional thought about being given the privilege of performing her kanyadaan one day. Kher shared that although the moment is still far away, the very idea fills his heart with affection, warmth, and a sense of responsibility. On Wednesday, the 'Special 26' actor took to his Instagram handle to pen a heartfelt birthday note for Vanshika. Sharing her throwback videos and photos, Anupam wrote, "Happy Birthday, my dearest, dearest Vanshika Beta. May God bless you with all the happiness in the world, a long, healthy and beautiful life, and the strength to achieve every dream you dream. You are my child. Even when Satish was with us, I always looked upon you as my daughter... and my friend. Some relationships are not defined by blood; they are defined by love, trust and belonging. Ours is one of them."
"Sometimes it's difficult to express love in words, but today I want you to know that I will always be there for you! To protect you, support you, encourage you and stand by you, no matter what life brings. And who knows... one day, many years from now, if you decide to get married, I may even have the privilege of performing your kanyadaan. That day is still far away, but the thought itself fills my heart with affection."
The 71-year-old actor added, "I love you, beta. Have the happiest birthday ever. And I'm sure your Papa and my bestest friend ever Satish, is smiling from above and sending you his biggest hug and countless blessings today. Happy Birthday, my darling. God bless you. @vanshikakaushik_15 #HappyBirthdayVanshika #Love #Blessings First video is three years old!."
Anupam Kher and Satish Shah shared a close and cherished friendship that spanned decades. The duo shared screen space in memorable films like "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" and "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!."
Following Satish Shah's demise on October 25, 2025, Anupam Kher paid an emotional tribute to his dear friend, whom he fondly remembered as "Mere Shah, mere Jahapana." He also stood by Shah's wife, Madhu, who suffers from Alzheimer's, during the difficult time.
Interestingly, Anupam Kher has taken on a supportive, father-like role in Vanshika's life following her father's passing. He has often been present for her important moments, including school events, and has expressed his affection for her by referring to her as his own daughter.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Kanyadaan is such a sacred ritual in our culture, and for Anupam ji to offer that so lovingly shows how deeply he cares. Vanshika is lucky to have a second father figure. Makes me emotional seeing true friendship transcend even death. ❤️
Honestly, I find this very sweet but also a bit premature. The girl is young and hasn't even spoken about marriage yet. Let her live her life first! But yes, the sentiment is lovely—Indian families are all about 'apna' and 'paraya' blending over time. Anupam ji's bond with Satish ji is legendary.
This is the kind of beautiful emotional depth Western media rarely highlights. In India, friendship becomes family. Anupam Kher calling her 'beta' and offering to do kanyadaan—that's not just words, that's commitment. Satish Shah left behind a daughter, but he also left behind a brother who stepped up.
While I appreciate the gesture, I wish we'd move beyond the "kanyadaan" concept altogether. It's a patriarchal ritual where a woman is literally "given away." But keeping that aside, Anupam ji's love for Vanshika is genuine and touching—he's been a rock for her after Satish ji's death. Just hope she gets to choose her own path without any pressure.
This is so heartwarming! Anupam Kher is truly a gem. The way he stands by his late friend's family
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