Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who has spent over four decades in the Indian film industry, believes that an actor’s true wealth is not measured by box office collections or bank balances – but by the number of people he knows.
In a recent interaction with acting students at his acting school, Actor Prepares, Kher shared his philosophy on survival and success in showbiz.
What Anupam Kher said
Speaking to a room full of aspiring actors, Kher said: “Bahut log sochte hain ki actor ki daulat uske ghar mein hoti hai, uske paas mein hoti hai, uske naam mein hoti hai. Nahin. Actor ki asli daulat uske jaane-waale logon ki tadad hai.”
He elaborated: “An actor’s wealth lies in the number of people he knows. Not just directors and producers, but spot boys, lightmen, make-up artists, security guards, and even the chai wala on set.”
Kher explained that every person you meet in this industry is a potential collaborator, a reference, or someone who will vouch for you when opportunity knocks.
Why networking matters more than talent
According to Kher, talent alone is not enough to sustain a long career in films. The industry is built on relationships, trust, and word-of-mouth.
“Aap kitne bhi achche actor ho, agar koi aapko jaanta nahi hai, toh koi aapko kaam nahi dega. Audition mein log aate hain, talent hota hai, lekin role unhe milta hai jo pehle se jaana-pehchaana hai,” he observed.
This is not about nepotism, Kher clarified. It is about human nature. “People work with those they know, those they have seen working before, those whose dedication they have witnessed.”
Personal example from Kher’s journey
Kher shared his own experience from his early days. When he came to Mumbai from Shimla with just ₹3,000, he did not know anyone. He started by meeting people – without any expectation of immediate work.
“I used to visit production offices just to say namaste. I would ask for chai. I would observe how people worked. Slowly, people started remembering my face. Then they remembered my name. Then they offered me small roles. That is how it works.”
He emphasized that every person he met in those early years – from the receptionist at a production house to the spotboy on a film set – contributed to his journey in some way.
The ‘touch points’ concept
Kher introduced a concept he calls ‘touch points’ – the number of meaningful human interactions you have in your career.
“Your goal should not be to act in a film with a big star. Your goal should be to increase your touch points. Meet one new person every day. Remember their name. Ask about their life. That person will remember you when they need an actor or when someone asks them for a recommendation.”
He added that in an industry where thousands of actors are competing for the same roles, being remembered is half the battle won.
Not just for actors
While Kher was speaking to acting students, he believes the principle applies to any creative profession – writing, direction, cinematography, or even production design.
“Jo log kehte hain ‘networking is a bad word’ – woh galat hain. Networking is not asking for favours. Networking is building genuine human relationships. Jab aap kisi ki madad karte ho bina koi expectation ke, toh woh log aapki madad karte hain jab aapko zaroorat hoti hai.”
He cited the example of legendary filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who worked with the same team of technicians across multiple films because he trusted them and they trusted him.
The digital age trap
Kher also warned young actors against relying solely on social media for networking. “Instagram followers are not your network. Followers don’t call you for auditions. Followers don’t recommend you to casting directors. Real relationships are built offline – on set, in offices, over cups of tea.”
He advised students to step out of their homes and attend film screenings, workshops, and industry events – not to hand out business cards, but to genuinely connect with people.
Kher’s final advice
Ending his session, Kher told the students: “Jitne log aapko jaanenge, aap utne ameer actors honge. Aur yeh daulat koi nahi cheen sakta. Na flop film, na bura review, na time.”
He added: “Toh aaj se shuru karo. Jaao, logon se milo. Unki kahani suno. Apni kahani batao. Woh din door nahi jab log tumhe kaam dene ke liye line mein lagein. Tab tum samjhoge – asli wealth wahi hai.”
