Anupam Kher on criticism: 'I don't take it personally anymore'
Synopsis
Anupam Kher's latest Instagram post — ladder imagery and all — is less a celebrity update and more a philosophical statement. After 500-plus films and decades of public life, his declaration that criticism no longer touches him personally reads as hard-won clarity, not performance. The post, paired with his 'I Am an Indian' video, signals a deliberate pivot toward legacy-building on his own terms.
Key Takeaways
Anupam Kher posted a reflective note on Instagram about handling criticism and finding joy in the journey rather than the destination.
He stated: 'I don't take it personally anymore' , framing criticism as a choice made by those unable to match others' progress.
The post featured images of Kher on a ladder , symbolising perseverance and the ongoing pursuit of new challenges.
A day earlier, Kher had shared a video titled 'I Am an Indian' , addressing stereotypes about Indians at home and abroad.
On the professional front, Kher was last seen in 'Tanvi the Great' , which he also directed, starring alongside Jackie Shroff , Naseeruddin Shah , and others.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has opened up about his philosophy on success, perseverance, and handling public criticism, sharing a candid reflection via a recent Instagram post that has resonated widely with fans and followers.
The Message Behind the Climb
In the post, Kher shared a series of images of himself striking poses on a ladder — a deliberate visual metaphor for his outlook on ambition and growth. The note accompanying the images read: 'I have always enjoyed climbing. Not because I want to reach the top, but because I love the challenge of the climb. The tougher the path, the greater the satisfaction of reaching somewhere you didn't think you could. And yes, once you reach a certain place, there will always be people who want to pull you down. Maybe it makes them feel better.'
He continued: 'If they can't reach where you've reached, they have two choices: work towards it or criticize you. Criticism is usually easier. I don't take it personally anymore. I just keep looking for another mountain, another ladder, another challenge. After all, the joy was never in standing at the top. The joy has always been in the climb.'
A Pattern of Purposeful Sharing
The Instagram post follows a similarly charged video Kher shared a day earlier, titled 'I Am an Indian', in which he addressed common perceptions and stereotypes associated with Indians — both domestically and on the global stage. Together, the two pieces of content reflect a deliberate effort by the actor to use his platform for motivational and nationalistic messaging, a thread that has run through his public persona for years.
Notably, Kher has been increasingly active on social media in recent months, using posts not just for professional promotion but for broader cultural commentary — a space few actors of his generation occupy as consistently.
Professional Front: Tanvi the Great
On the work front, Kher was most recently seen in 'Tanvi the Great' — a film he also directed. The project featured an ensemble cast including Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Boman Irani, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, Naseeruddin Shah, and Iain Glen in key roles. The film marked a significant moment in Kher's career, cementing his identity as both performer and filmmaker.
What This Reflects
Kher's message arrives at a time when public figures across industries face intensified scrutiny and online criticism. His articulation of detachment from negativity — framed not as indifference but as redirected energy — offers a perspective that cuts across the entertainment world. For a career spanning over four decades and 500-plus films, the sentiment carries the weight of lived experience rather than rehearsed wisdom.
Point of View
The philosophical framing, the self-deprecating humility wrapped in quiet confidence. What's worth noting is the broader pattern: he is one of the few actors of his generation who has successfully migrated his public identity from screen performer to cultural commentator. Whether the motivation is organic or strategic, the consistency of his social media voice is itself a lesson in personal branding. The risk, as always, is that motivational content from celebrities can tip into self-congratulation — but Kher's framing here largely avoids that trap by directing attention to the process, not the achievement.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Anupam Kher say about criticism in his Instagram post?
Anupam Kher said he no longer takes criticism personally, explaining that people who cannot reach where you have reached either work towards it or criticise you — and that criticism is usually the easier choice. He added that he responds by simply seeking the next challenge.
What is the significance of the ladder imagery in Anupam Kher's post?
The ladder in Kher's Instagram images serves as a visual metaphor for his philosophy of continuous growth and perseverance. It symbolises his belief that the joy lies in the climb itself, not in reaching any particular destination.
What is 'Tanvi the Great' and what was Anupam Kher's role in it?
'Tanvi the Great' is a film that Anupam Kher both directed and acted in. The ensemble cast included Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Boman Irani, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, Naseeruddin Shah, and Iain Glen.
What was Anupam Kher's 'I Am an Indian' video about?
The video, shared a day before his ladder post, saw Kher address common perceptions and stereotypes associated with Indians, both within the country and internationally. It was described as emotionally charged and received significant attention online.
Why is Anupam Kher's message on criticism notable?
With a career spanning over four decades and more than 500 films, Kher's perspective on handling public negativity carries the weight of sustained experience in a highly scrutinised industry. His framing — redirecting energy toward new challenges rather than dwelling on detractors — resonates beyond the entertainment world.
