Anupam Kher reveals how sleepless nights led to manic depression diagnosis 10-12 years ago despite being ‘such a positive person’, going bankrupt and facial paralysis during ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’: ‘The psychiatrist said optimism is your problem’ | Hindi Movie News
Anupam Kher has opened up about his battle with manic depression, recalling how sleepless nights led to a psychiatrist diagnosing him around 10-12 years ago. The veteran actor also spoke about experiencing bankruptcy and facial paralysis, explaining why he has always chosen to discuss his setbacks openly. Kher said his diagnosis taught him that even his optimism could become a problem when he pushed himself through difficult phases.
Anupam Kher recalls being diagnosed with manic depression
In a recent conversation with Faridoon Shahryar, Anupam Kher has revisited one of the most difficult periods of his life, recalling how persistent sleeplessness eventually led to him being diagnosed with manic depression. The veteran actor said the episode occurred around 10-12 years ago, at a time when his book had been declared a national bestseller. Despite the professional success, Kher said he was unable to sleep either during the day or at night.“About 10-12 years ago, when I had written my book, it was announced as a national bestseller. That was the year when I couldn’t sleep. I wouldn’t sleep day or night,” he recalled.
An eye doctor advised Anupam Kher to see a psychiatrist
Kher explained that his lack of sleep began affecting his sensitivity to light. He initially consulted his eye doctor, who suggested that the problem could require psychiatric attention.“I went to my eye doctor and said that I hadn’t been sleeping at night, so when the light fell on my eyes in the morning, I had a lot of difficulty. He said, ‘Mr Kher, I think you need to see a psychiatrist.’ I laughed and thought, ‘I am such a positive person.’”The actor eventually visited a psychiatrist but approached the consultation in a manner that reflected his own personality. Rather than immediately answering questions about himself, Kher said he took his book with him and began asking the doctor about his problems.“So I met the psychiatrist in his clinic and took my book with me. I told the doctor, ‘Before you start asking me questions, I want to ask you a question. Tell me one problem of yours.’ He told me his problem, I gave him a solution and then asked him about the next problem. For about an hour, I kept solving his problems. Then I gave him my book and said, ‘If you have any problem, call me.’”
Anupam Kher was told, ‘Optimism is your problem’
Kher said he noticed the psychiatrist writing something on his pad as he was about to leave. When he asked what it was, the doctor told him that he was writing his medication and then gave him his diagnosis.“When I was leaving, I saw that he was writing something on his pad, so I asked him what he was writing. He said, ‘Your medication.’ He said, ‘You are manic depressive, and optimism is your problem. You push everything.’”The experience, Kher said, eventually encouraged him to speak more openly about mental health and his own struggles. He described himself as having become an “unofficial brand ambassador” for mental health awareness.“Then I became the unofficial brand ambassador for mental health. Even optimism can cause depression.”
Anupam Kher recalls bankruptcy and facial paralysis
Kher also reflected on the setbacks he has experienced throughout his career, including bankruptcy and facial paralysis. Rather than keeping those experiences private, he said he has consistently chosen to tell his complete story.“Whatever happens to me, I tell my whole story to the world. I had become bankrupt, I had facial paralysis. At the end of the play, I am the tallest man in the auditorium because when I have told everyone everything, what am I afraid of?”The actor was referring to his autobiographical one-man play ‘Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai’, which draws from his personal experiences, failures and setbacks. The production became a platform for Kher to revisit some of the most challenging moments of his life while also finding humour and perspective in them.
Anupam Kher’s current work slate
Anupam Kher continues to maintain a busy film slate. His upcoming projects include ‘Yeh Prem Mol Liya’, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, which is listed for release on November 27, 2026, and ‘Fauzi’, directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, which is listed for December 3, 2026. ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla 2’ is also listed among his 2026 projects.
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