Sikandar Kher recalls Robert De Niro wanting Anupam Kher out of a scene in Silver Linings Playbook: ‘He replied in front of Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence’ |

Actor Sikandar Kher shared the life lessons he learned from his stepfather, Anupam Kher. He said Anupam taught him the importance of not giving up. Sikandar also recalled how Anupam confidently stood his ground when he heard he might be cut from a scene in The Silver Linings Playbook, starring Jennifer Lawrence. The film also featured stars like Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper and was directed by David O. Russell.
Anupam Kher’s Hollywood Moment: Standing Up in Silver Linings Playbook
While speaking on the Qisse with Kopal podcast, Sikandar shared how Anupam taught him to stay strong in tough times. He recalled how Anupam once lost a role in Saaransh without being told and was about to leave Mumbai due to lack of money. But before leaving, Anupam boldly confronted Mahesh Bhatt—and ended up getting the role back.How Anupam Won Back His Role in Saaransh
The actor also shared that the veteran actor got a chance to work with his favourite actor, Robert De Niro, in Silver Linings Playbook. During a rehearsal, De Niro felt Anupam’s character didn’t fit in a scene and suggested removing him. But Anupam boldly stood up for himself in front of the entire cast—including Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, and Chris Tucker. He explained to the director why he should stay in the scene. The director turned to De Niro, who agreed. Sikandar admired how his father, despite being a newcomer in Hollywood, stood his ground and kept his self-respect.

Childhood Without a Strong Fatherly Presence
He further shared that he has two fathers—his biological father Gautam Berry and his stepfather Anupam Kher. However, both were busy with work when he was growing up, so he lacked a strong fatherly presence. Reflecting on his childhood, he said, “Fathers are fathers. Fathers and sons are hectic.” Recently, Sikandar has made a solid return to acting with roles in Monica O My Darling, Monkey Man, and web series like Aarya and Citadel: Honey Bunny.