Anupam Kher speaks against ageism, says "human capability has no expiry date"
Mumbai, August 14
Actor Anupam Kher has sparked a conversation about ageism and the value of experience with a social media video, questioning the growing tendency to describe older people as "irrelevant" or "redundant."
In the video shared on his Instagram handle, Kher asked whether a person's abilities suddenly become outdated simply because they grow older.
Kher's central message is that ageing should not be equated with uselessness.
"Youth gives you energy, but age gives you experience," Kher says in the video, arguing that experience is something that cannot simply be purchased, searched for online or downloaded. It is acquired through living, learning and overcoming challenges.
At the same time, Kher acknowledged the importance of younger generations. He describes their speed, restlessness and fresh ideas as essential to society, but questions whether young people need to be declared relevant at the expense of older people.
The actor describes elderly people as society's "memory bank," a living repository of history and experience.
Along with his video message, Kher wrote, "TIMELESS GOLDEN ENERGY!! Youth possesses zeal, momentum, and an incredible drive to feel relevant and significant. Yet, experience is a powerhouse in its own right. Narayana Murthy, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Nandan Nilekani, Anand Mahindra, Meryl Streep, James Cameron--and countless others--have all crossed the age of seventy, yet they continue to create something new and guide the world today. Therefore, dismissing the elderly as 'useless' or 'past their prime' is not just rude; it is foolish. Human capability has no expiry date. Youth might find a new path more quickly... but experience knows exactly where the next turn lies! Cheers to that!"
On the work front, Anupam Kher recently announced the completion of shooting for his upcoming film 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya', directed by Sooraj Barjatya.Backed by Rajshri Productions in association with Mahaveer Jain Films, 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya' stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari in the lead roles and is slated for a post-Diwali theatrical release.
He also has the much-awaited 'Khosla Ka Ghosla' sequel in the pipeline.The comedy sequel is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 28, during the Raksha Bandhan weekend.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is such a refreshing take, especially in today's fast-paced world where everyone is obsessed with youth. I work in tech in Bangalore, and I've seen so many brilliant senior colleagues forced into retirement simply because of their age. We're literally throwing away decades of wisdom and institutional knowledge. Kher sahab has hit the nail on the head!
I love how he acknowledged both sides - youth bring energy and fresh ideas, while experience brings wisdom. It's not about choosing one over the other, but about creating harmony between generations. In Indian culture, we've always believed in "Guru-Shishya parampara" - learning from elders while also teaching them new things. Great perspective from a veteran actor. 👏
While I appreciate the sentiment, I wish our film industry would actually practice what Anupam ji is preaching. Being 60+ in Bollywood often means being relegated to playing someone's grandfather or a character with a two-scene role. The irony isn't lost on me. Still, it's good that he's speaking up on this issue.
Kher has a point. In my 60s now and running a small business in Pune - I have to compete with 25-year-olds who are "digital natives." But guess what? They come to me for advice on everything that matters - business strategy, handling clients, negotiating deals. Experience does count, just in different ways than energy does.
"Human capability has no expiry date" - I want this printed on a t-shirt! 😄 My father learned video editing at 72
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