Anupam Kher Backs Alia Bhatt, Calls Her Cannes Trollers 'Full Time Becharas'

Anupam

Kher represented India globally before any celebrity from Bollywood could. The actor continues displaying his craft on the global stage, where he gets respect and love from the industry insiders and the audience. Recently, he won the Best Supporting Actor at the UK Asian Film Festival for his film Calorie. On the sidelines, Anupam shared the honour with his fans. In his new interview, Kher reacted to Alia Bhatt representing Indian cinema on international grounds. He further slammed trolls for mocking the Gangubai Kathiawadi actress during her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2026.

Anupam Kher On Alia’s Scrutiny

In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Anupam revealed how he felt pity for the people who criticise all the time. Citing an example of how he has time and again represented India on global platforms, but doing this perfectly has become a tough job, given the rising troll culture. He further spoke to the portal about Alia, who faced heavy trolls after her Cannes appearance. The Kashmir Files actor said people who are idle, who have nothing to do, find a moment to criticise someone iconic, in an attempt to stay relevant. “Criticism has become the favourite national pastime of certain people, or maybe a full-time job”, he added, as it's no longer worth his anger but just shame.

Anupam felt proud of Alia and the way she represented India at the festival and how she responded to such trolls. Taking a dig at the trolls, he said, “Maybe they are getting paid for it”. These ‘becharas’, as Anupam calls them, are merely existing because of celebrities, and the actress being a rockstar knows how to deal with them.

On His Work Front

Anupam is revisiting his younger days, where he used to do theatre plays. He is currently engaged in his play Jaane Pehchaane Anjane, as he performed in Mumbai last week. He is set for his Delhi performances this week.

Talking about the play, the actor revealed how it feels new altogether. From running his one-man show, Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, for 21 years now, this play is based on Marathi originals. He reflected on how it has added to the difficulty with so many actors and singing a musical withAnu Malik. But, “It’s a great joy when the audience claps for you, and there is no retake,” he said, displaying his enthusiasm. To Kher, theatre keeps him alive; it teaches him to push boundaries more than just as an actor.Giving Indian cinema and theatre more than four decades of his life, Anupam has worked on international projects like Bend It Like Beckham, Silver Linings Playbook and hit drama New Amsterdam.