Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Anupam Kher Revisits Manic Depression, Bankruptcy and Facial Paralysis
Anupam Kher shared that a psychiatrist diagnosed him with manic depression about 10–12 years ago.
He had been unable to sleep, even though his book had become a national bestseller.
At first, he did not think he needed help because he considered himself very optimistic.
The doctor told him that always pushing ahead could also be a problem.
Kher said he now speaks openly about mental health.
He also talked about a time when he nearly lost all his money after investing in television shows.
He remembered having facial paralysis while filming Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
Kher said he chose to keep working and eventually overcame the condition.
Anupam Kher said he was diagnosed with manic depression about 10–12 years ago after prolonged sleeplessness despite professional success.
A psychiatrist told Kher that his optimism and tendency to push through difficulties were contributing to his problems.
Kher said he later became an outspoken advocate for discussing mental health and personal struggles.
He recalled nearly going bankrupt in 2004 after investing and borrowing money to produce television serials.
Kher also described overcoming facial paralysis during the filming of Hum Aapke Hain Koun and continuing to work.
- Who
- Actor Anupam Kher, speaking about his mental-health diagnosis and past personal setbacks.
- What
- Kher recalled being diagnosed with manic depression, nearly going bankrupt, and overcoming facial paralysis.
- When
- The diagnosis occurred about 10–12 years ago; Kher said the bankruptcy crisis occurred in 2004, while the facial paralysis happened during the filming of Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
- Where
- The diagnosis was discussed during a conversation with Faridoon Shahryar; the paralysis occurred during filming of Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
- Why
- Kher shared these experiences to discuss mental health openly and explain how he confronted difficult periods in his life.
- Diagnosis
- Kher said he was diagnosed with manic depression about 10–12 years ago.
- Initial symptom
- He recalled being unable to sleep day or night despite his book being declared a national bestseller.
- Psychiatrist’s observation
- The psychiatrist told Kher that his optimism and tendency to push everything were problems.
- Bankruptcy crisis
- Kher said he was nearly bankrupt in 2004 after investing and borrowing money to produce television serials.
- Financial details
- He said only Rs 400 remained in the bank and that his house and office were mortgaged.
- Facial paralysis
- Kher said he experienced facial paralysis while filming Hum Aapke Hain Koun and overcame it.
- Autobiographical play
- His one-man show Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai was built around his failures and difficult experiences.