New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI) What would you say to your younger self if you had the chance to go back in time? Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently shared his heartfelt answer in the form of a deeply personal and emotional letter addressed to his 16-year-old self, leaving fans touched by his reflection on dreams, identity and life’s journey.
On Wednesday, the actor took to his Instagram to share a black-and-white photograph from his teenage years, showing a young boy from Shimla long before the fame, awards and film sets, a boy whose dreams were only beginning to take shape.
However, it was the caption accompanying the photo that resonated strongly with his followers.
Addressing the note to his younger self, whom he lovingly called “Bittu,” Kher reflected on the hopeful yet uncertain teenager he once was. Looking at the photograph, he wrote about seeing “big dreams” in the young boy’s eyes but also a deep sense of uncertainty about the future.
“Letter To My 16-Year-Old Self! Dear 16-Year-Old Me (Bittu), Looking at you in this photograph, I see a young boy from Shimla with big dreams in his eyes… and a lot of uncertainty in his heart. You don’t know it yet, but life is going to take you on an extraordinary journey,” Kher wrote.
“From the quiet hills of Shimla to stages, studios, and screens across the world. You will meet thousands of people, play hundreds of characters, experience applause, criticism, success, failure, and moments that will test your courage,” he added.
What stood out most in the note was Kher’s reflection on identity. Despite decades in the film industry and global recognition, the actor said that deep down he still feels like the same small-town boy who believed that “kuch bhi ho sakta hai.”
“But let me tell you something that will make you smile. After all these years… I am still you. The same small-town boy who believed that ‘Kuch bhi ho sakta hai.’ The same boy who never allowed circumstances to define his dreams.”
Kher, now in his seventies, also shared that he continues to feel the same excitement about life and his journey, describing it as if he has only reached the “interval point.”
“Because of you, I am still walking this journey with excitement at the age of 70 !! Feeling like life is only at the Interval Point!”
“The world will try to Change you. But your greatest victory will be remaining Yourself!
With love, pride, and gratitude, You… Bittu (now known as Anupam) Just a little older, but still the boy from Shimla,” he added.
Anupam Kher has been entertaining audiences for more than four decades and has appeared in over 500 films across Hindi and international cinema. He made his debut with Saaransh, a performance that remains one of the most acclaimed in Indian cinema.
On the professional front, the actor, who was recently seen in ‘Tanvi The Great’, will next appear in ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla 2’, the sequel to the much-loved Khosla Ka Ghosla directed by Dibakar Banerjee.
He also has other projects lined up, including the upcoming film Fauzi, which stars Prabhas.
