Anupam Kher sings playback for theatre musical Jaane Pehchaane Anjane
Synopsis
Anupam Kher has recorded his own playback for the stage musical Jaane Pehchaane Anjane — and sings live alongside it during performances. With lyrics by Kausar Munir and music by Anu Malik, the NCPA production marks a rare creative milestone for the veteran actor: studio singer and live performer, simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
Anupam Kher has recorded the playback for a song in his theatre musical Jaane Pehchaane Anjane and performs it live on stage simultaneously.
The musical features lyrics by Kausar Munir and music composed by Anu Malik .
Recent performances of the production were staged at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai .
Kher, 71 , described the experience as “both a privilege and a responsibility.” His last film was Tanvi The Great , which he also directed, featuring Jackie Shroff , Naseeruddin Shah , and others.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has opened up about a milestone in his artistic journey — his first playback singing experience for a theatre production. The 71-year-old shared the moment via Instagram, offering fans a glimpse into his musical debut within his ongoing stage musical Jaane Pehchaane Anjane.
The Playback Singing Debut
In a post shared on Instagram, Kher explained the distinction between film and theatre when it comes to music. “Unlike films, where a song is often created separately and then performed on screen, theatre gives you the opportunity to connect with the music live, in front of an audience. That is both a privilege and a responsibility,” he wrote. The playback version of the featured song has been recorded by Kher himself, and during live performances he sings along with it on stage — a rare dual role that blends studio craft with live artistry.
The Creative Team Behind the Musical
The production Jaane Pehchaane Anjane features lyrics penned by Kausar Munir and music composed by Anu Malik. The video shared by Kher also included highlights from recent performances staged at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai. The combination of Munir’s lyrical sensibility and Malik’s compositions has given the musical a distinct flavour, according to Kher’s post.
Why This Moment Stands Out
For a performer of Kher’s stature — with decades of film work behind him — stepping into playback singing for a live theatrical production marks a meaningful creative pivot. Theatre, by its nature, demands immediacy: there are no retakes, no post-production fixes. Performing and singing simultaneously in front of a live audience underscores the discipline the medium requires. Notably, the NCPA performances signal that Jaane Pehchaane Anjane is drawing audiences at one of India’s most prestigious cultural venues.
Kher’s Recent Work
On the film front, Kher was last seen in Tanvi The Great, a project he also directed. The film featured an ensemble cast including Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Boman Irani, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, Naseeruddin Shah, and Iain Glen. His foray into theatre with Jaane Pehchaane Anjane runs parallel to his screen career, reflecting a broader artistic restlessness that has defined his decades-long vocation.
As the musical continues its run, audiences can expect Kher to bring the same intensity to the stage that has made him one of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable faces.
Point of View
Not a destination — Kher’s NCPA run with a fully scored musical, complete with original compositions by Anu Malik and lyrics by Kausar Munir, pushes against that hierarchy. The more interesting question is whether productions of this scale can build a sustainable ticketed audience in Indian cities beyond the festival circuit. Kher’s Instagram reach gives the musical a promotional engine most stage productions lack — but converting social media curiosity into repeat theatre attendance is a different challenge entirely.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anupam Kher’s first playback singing experience?
Anupam Kher recorded the playback version of a song for his theatre musical Jaane Pehchaane Anjane and also performs it live on stage during each show. He described it as his first playback singing experience in a theatrical context.
What is the musical Jaane Pehchaane Anjane?
Jaane Pehchaane Anjane is a stage musical featuring Anupam Kher, with music composed by Anu Malik and lyrics written by Kausar Munir. The production has been performed at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai.
Who wrote the music and lyrics for Jaane Pehchaane Anjane?
The music for the musical is composed by Anu Malik, while the lyrics are written by Kausar Munir. Kher has publicly credited both as key creative contributors to the production.
What was Anupam Kher’s last film?
Anupam Kher was last seen in Tanvi The Great, which he also directed. The film featured an ensemble cast including Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Boman Irani, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, Naseeruddin Shah, and Iain Glen.
Where has Jaane Pehchaane Anjane been performed?
The musical has recently been staged at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, one of India’s most prestigious performing arts venues.
