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Key Points

Anupam Kher shared heartfelt gratitude for all his teachers on Teachers Day. He specifically credited late NSD director Ebrahim Alkazi for teaching him that a bigger mind creates a bigger world. The actor revealed his first job was actually as a drama teacher, which eventually inspired him to establish the famous Actor Prepares school. Kher also reflected on working with renowned directors who shaped his craft through both praise and constructive criticism.

Key Points: Anupam Kher Credits Teachers for Success on Teachers Day

  • Credits late NSD director Ebrahim Alkazi for profound life teachings
  • Reveals his first job was as a drama teacher after graduation
  • Founded Actor Prepares school after noticing new actors' fear
  • Names Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan as notable alumni
  • Recalls working with directors Subhash Ghai and Mahesh Bhatt
3 min read

Whatever I am today is because of my teachers: Anupam Kher expresses gratitude to educators on Teachers Day 2025

Anupam Kher honors teachers including Ebrahim Alkazi, reveals his first job was teaching, and shares how it inspired him to open Actor Prepares acting school.

"Whatever I am today is because of the teachers of my school, college, drama school, and life - Anupam Kher"

Mumbai, September 5

On the occasion of Teachers' Day, legendary actor Anupam Kher recalled the teachings of the teachers from his school, college, and drama school, which helped him to become a good artist and successful in life.

While talking to ANI, Anupam Kher wished 'Happy Teachers' Day' to everyone while citing the importance of teachers in shaping a student's life.

"I wish you all a very happy Teacher's Day. Whatever I am today is because of the teachers of my school, college, drama school, and life. Parents, grandparents, I salute them because I have learnt a lot from them. Teachers don't just teach you about education, they teach you about life," said Anupam Kher.

The actor expressed his gratitude to the late Ebrahim Alkazi, former director of the National School of Drama, for his teachings, which helped him develop his acting skills.

While sharing some of his teachings, the actor said, "National School of Drama's director, the great Indian actor, Ebrahim Alkazi Sir, taught me that the bigger your mind is, the bigger your world will be, and the deeper your heart is, the deeper humanity will settle, and this is true."

The actor revealed that his first job was as a teacher after passing the drama school. While working as a teacher, Anupam Kher realised the importance of teaching and decided to open the acting school later in life.

"My first job was as a teacher after passing the drama school. I was a teacher at Bharatiya Hindu Drama Centre. So, 20 years ago, when I was working with an actress, she was a new actress and was good, but when she came to me and started speaking the dialogue, she was very scared. That day I decided that I will open an acting school, this will be my best service for society, for teachers," said Anupam Kher.

Anupam Kher established his acting institute, 'Actor Prepares', in 2005. Actress Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan and Varun Dhawan are some of the many notable alumni of this school.

While talking to ANI, Kher also recalled his time with directors Subhash Ghai, Mahesh Bhatt and David O Russell during his acting journey.

"Bhatt sir used to scold me a lot. Subhash Ghai sir used to get upset. On set, David, with whom I have done 'The Silver Linings Playbook', didn't scold me like that, but he had their own way. Even if someone says something bad, it feels like they have scolded. Even if someone is quiet, it feels like they are scolding. So he told me, on the first day of shooting, he asked me to reduce the acting. 'I beg of you.' So I had to," said Anupam Kher.

The actor recently made his return to the director's chair with the film 'Tanvi The Great', which starred debutant Shubhangi Dutt in the lead role.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Ebrahim Alkazi was truly a legend! His teachings about mind and heart depth are so profound. It's heartwarming to see successful people remembering their gurus. Happy Teachers' Day to all educators!
S
Sarah B
I love how he mentions learning from grandparents too. In Indian culture, elders are our first teachers. This is such a beautiful tribute to all forms of teaching and mentorship.
A
Aditya G
His story about starting as a teacher and then opening Actor Prepares is inspiring. Many celebrities forget their roots, but Anupam Kher continues to give back to the industry that made him.
M
Michael C
The part about David O Russell asking him to "reduce the acting" is hilarious but so true! Great actors know when to hold back. Shows how even criticism from directors becomes valuable teaching.
K
Kavya N
While I appreciate his sentiments, I wish more celebrities would actually visit their old schools and colleges on Teachers' Day instead of just giving interviews. Action speaks louder than words.
V
Vikram M
His acting school has produced so many stars! Deepika, Hrithik, Varun - all trained there. This shows how good teachers create more teachers and the knowledge keeps spreading. Guru-shishya parampara at its best! 🎭

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