Anupam Kher shaves moustache for 555th film: 'Should it make a comeback?'
Synopsis
Anupam Kher shaved off his moustache — a fixture he jokes is his only hair — for his 555th film, teasing the announcement with characteristic flair. The look change sparked a fan debate, but the bigger story is the sheer scale of a career that has now crossed 555 films with no sign of slowing down.
Key Takeaways
Anupam Kher shaved his moustache on 31 August for an upcoming, as-yet-unnamed film requiring a fresh look.
He simultaneously announced his landmark 555th film , with details to follow at a later date.
Kher has completed shooting for 'Shri Rambhoomi' , playing late VHP leader Ashok Singhal .
He is also lined up for 'Khosla Ka Ghosla 2' and a Sooraj Barjatya drama.
Fan response was divided — many praised the new look while others called for the moustache's return.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has bid farewell — at least temporarily — to his signature moustache, shaving it off for an upcoming film that demanded a fresh look. The 84-year-old star shared his new clean-shaven avatar on social media on 31 August, sparking an enthusiastic response from fans debating whether the facial hair should return.
What Kher Said About the Change
In a candid post on the photo-sharing platform, Kher admitted that parting with his moustache is never an easy decision. 'I rarely shave off my moustache. It has always given me the comforting feeling that, technically, I do have hair!! But a film demanded a new look, so the moustache had to make the sacrifice. And I must confess… I'm quite liking these pictures without it! What do you think? Should the moustache make a comeback, or enjoy an extended holiday?' he wrote.
Fan Reactions: Divided but Warm
The post drew a flood of responses, with many admirers complimenting his transformed appearance — 'You looking so dashing and handsome' and 'Amazing look' were among the top comments. However, loyalists of the iconic moustache were equally vocal, with one user insisting, 'This is nice, sir. But the mustache MUST make a comeback.'
The Landmark 555th Film
The moustache sacrifice is connected to what Kher himself has called a milestone moment in his career. Earlier on the same day, he announced his 555th film — a landmark figure even by Bollywood's most prolific standards. Keeping specifics under wraps, he wrote: 'I am delighted to announce my landmark 555th film. Details at the right time. Till then, please allow me to enjoy the suspense too! Jai Ho! #555 #Gratitude.'
A Packed Pipeline
Beyond the mystery project, Kher's schedule is already full. He has wrapped shooting for 'Shri Rambhoomi', in which he portrays the late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal. He is also set to appear in 'Khosla Ka Ghosla 2' and director Sooraj Barjatya's forthcoming drama, cementing his position as one of Hindi cinema's most in-demand character actors.
With five-and-a-half decades of films behind him and a fresh face to show for it, Kher's next chapter — moustache or not — is one the industry will be watching closely.
Point of View
But the real headline is 555 films — a number that puts Kher in a category almost entirely his own in Indian cinema. What is notable is that he remains a first-choice casting option across commercial entertainers, biopics, and prestige dramas simultaneously. The mystery around the 555th project is smart marketing: Kher has always understood that in the attention economy, a well-timed tease outperforms a press release.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Anupam Kher shave his moustache?
Anupam Kher shaved his moustache because an upcoming film required him to sport a fresh look. He shared the new avatar on social media on 31 August, admitting he rarely parts with the facial hair as it gives him a sense of comfort.
What is Anupam Kher's 555th film?
Kher announced his 555th film on 31 August but has kept all details under wraps, saying he prefers to reveal them at the right time. He described it as a landmark moment and signed off with '#555 #Gratitude'.
What other films is Anupam Kher working on?
Kher has completed shooting for 'Shri Rambhoomi', in which he plays late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal. He is also set to appear in 'Khosla Ka Ghosla 2' and an upcoming drama directed by Sooraj Barjatya.
How did fans react to Anupam Kher's new look?
Fan reactions were warm but divided. Many praised the clean-shaven appearance with comments like 'You looking so dashing and handsome', while others insisted the moustache must make a comeback.
Who is Ashok Singhal, the character Anupam Kher plays in 'Shri Rambhoomi'?
Ashok Singhal was a prominent leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and a key figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Kher has already wrapped his portions for the film.
