Anupam Kher (born 7 March 1955) is an Indian actor and the former Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India. In a long career featuring in over 530 films, predominantly in Hindi cinema, and many plays, Kher is considered one of the most versatile film actors of India.[1] Although typecast in character roles, he has also played numerous critically acclaimed leading or parallel roles. His accolades include two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards.[2] The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contribution in the field of cinema and arts. Besides working in Hindi films, he has also appeared in international films such as the Golden Globe nominated Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Ang Lee's Golden Lion–winning Lust, Caution (2007), David O. Russell's Oscar-winning Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and Anthony Maras' Hotel Mumbai (2019). He received a BAFTA nomination for his supporting role in the British television sitcom The Boy with the Topknot (2018).[3] He has previously served as the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification and the National School of Drama in India.[4] Kher was appointed Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in October 2017.[5] His appointment was controversial, given his support for the Bharatiya Janata Party[6][7][8][9] A year later, he resigned as the chairman of the FTII, citing his work commitments for the American TV show New Amsterdam.[10]Read less