FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), under its National Performing Arts Initiative, hosted an engaging and deeply inspiring conversation with veteran actor, filmmaker, author, and global cinema icon Anupam Kher. The session brought together FLO members, creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring artists for an enriching dialogue on cinema, storytelling, resilience, personal growth, and the evolving role of the creative industries in shaping modern India.
Welcoming Mr. Kher, Puja Garg, 43rd National President, FICCI FLO, spoke about his extraordinary contribution to Indian and international cinema spanning over four decades. In her address, she reflected on how certain artists transcend entertainment to become a meaningful part of people’s lives across generations through their authenticity, courage, and emotional depth.
The conversation explored Mr. Kher’s remarkable journey in Indian and global cinema. Acted in more than 540 films, he highlighted his iconic performances in films such as Saaransh, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, A Wednesday, Special 26, and The Kashmir Files, alongside his acclaimed international work, including Bend It Like Beckham, Silver Linings Playbook, Hotel Mumbai, and New Amsterdam.
One of the most moving aspects of the interaction was Mr. Kher’s heartfelt reflection on his close relationship with his parents and the profound life lessons they instilled in him. Sharing deeply personal anecdotes from his childhood and early struggles, he spoke about how his father shaped his understanding of courage, self-worth, and resilience. Also, Mr. Kher talked about the close bond that he shares with his mother, Ms. Dulari Kher, referring to her as the guiding force in his life.
A central theme of the session was his philosophy on failure, a subject he addressed with honesty, warmth, and humour. Recalling one of his father’s most enduring lessons, Mr. Kher shared the powerful line: “Failure is an event, never a person.” He narrated how, after failing in school as a young boy, his father chose not to reprimand him, but instead celebrated the moment by taking him out for samosas and pastries, teaching him that setbacks should never define an individual.
Through stories from his own life, including his early struggles in Mumbai, professional setbacks, and moments of uncertainty, Mr. Kher encouraged audiences to embrace failure as an essential part of growth and reinvention. He emphasized that resilience, self-belief, discipline, and continuous learning are what ultimately shape success. The veteran actor motivated the audience to never stop watching dreams, live a happy life and always believe in the power of manifestation.
For his contribution to Indian cinema and arts, Mr. Kher has won several awards and honours, such as two National Film Awards, eight Filmfare Awards, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan. The session also explored the evolution of Indian cinema and the growing role of women in shaping the creative economy. Addressing the significance of the Performing Arts initiative, Puja Garg highlighted that creative industries today must be viewed as serious professional ecosystems offering immense leadership, entrepreneurial, and cultural opportunities for women.
At FLO, we believe the creative industries are no longer spaces of occasional passion, but powerful industries with enormous economic and leadership potential. Women today are not only visible in front of the camera but are increasingly shaping narratives behind it — as directors, producers, writers, entrepreneurs, and creators, she said.
The interaction reflected on how cinema today has evolved beyond entertainment to become a powerful force that influences aspirations, challenges stereotypes, and mirrors the changing identity of contemporary India. The event was organised under the FLO National Initiative – Performing Arts, led by Sikha Sareen, Governing Body Member and Past Chairperson of FLO Amritsar Chapter.
The conversation was moderated by actor Shubhangi Dutt, who recently made her debut in Tanvi: The Great, directed by Mr. Kher. Overall, the interaction offered FLO members valuable insights into the craft of acting, creative discipline, perseverance, and staying relevant in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.