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Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly: An Autobiography
An extraordinary, riveting and no-holds-barred saga studded with fascinating behind-the-scenes revelations, anecdotes and rare nuggets of lessons Anupam Kher s life story is nothing short of a grand masala box office hit. It has drama, comedy, romance and even action! Who knew that a small-town Shimla boy would one day become one of the most recognized actors in the world and go on to win various national and international awards for his contribution in the field of cinema and arts? A powerhouse of talent with over 530 films (and counting) in his repertoire, Anupam Kher stands out not only because of his iconic bald head, but also for his forthright views and opinions, however controversial they may be. He has always been distinct and offbeat. His autobiography is, too . . . for it is not just another chronological account of his life. It is, in fact, also peppered with incredible life lessons that are bound to resonate with every aspiring artiste and, most of all, the common man. Here is a kaleidoscopic peep into the life and times of a true genius and forever entertainer.
432 pages, hardcover
Published August 5, 2019
61 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 6, 2024
Sadly I just couldn’t continue reading this memoir because of the bashing and bad mouthing of other actors/entertainment personalities even though it might be real. I like to read memoirs which are discreet and written well.
I really wanted to know the actor’s journey in becoming one of the most successful actors in Bollywood. However, this one is a little too much to continue reading as I can’t help but feel that this book is written to take revenge of some sort.
I really wanted to know the actor’s journey in becoming one of the most successful actors in Bollywood. However, this one is a little too much to continue reading as I can’t help but feel that this book is written to take revenge of some sort.
September 3, 2019
A few of the chapters are written beautifully specially the ones describing his childhood but rest of the book is monotonous.
January 6, 2020
Lessons Life Taught Me Unknowingly-
Length : 432
Genre : Autobiography
Written by : Anupam Kher
Publisher : Hay House India
This books starts with his childhood days and what I loved is how happy a joint family was even with a lack of finances, a Kashmiri pandit family out of their home state trying to make ends meet but they all are together, the three generations of the Khers living harmoniously in the house of two rooms in beautiful Shimla,the book starts with a hopeful note of “Life Me Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai”
The memories of little things that brought him (Anupam Kher) joy as a young boy such as his first suit and shoes are just so heartwarming.
I especially loved the whole equation between Kher and his grandfather because I genuinely believe that our previous generations were so much cooler and there is so much we can learn from them, it constantly reminded me of my late grandfather who was a news paper journalist and super cool guy.
Also this book has an amazing array of photographs from Kher’s early years and also movie sets
The narration of his later life after becoming an actor from his experiences in his early days, which is kind of a rags to riches story but it’s more of a memory scrapbook style rather than following a balanced narravtive. Most of the book from this point is movies he did, multiple refrences of Saransh (amazing movie btw) but it is mentioned too much, his twitter tiff with Amir is also addressed here and his Hollywood projects.
This picture because Bradley Cooper is my longtime crush
I wish this book was more than this, I wish he told us more about how he felt rather than what he did, the book has it’s vulnerable moments but I wish there was more of that, because when I read an autobiography I already know your moments of height and fame, I want to know what makes you more like a commoner(if that makes any sense)
The feeling of connection with Anupam Kher as a person rather than a actor is basically what I looking for, which was scanty here but apart from all of it this book is definitely worth a read, especially if you are into bollywood or want to be an actor this would be good book.
I am very grateful to the team of lessons life taught me unknowingly for providing me a review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review
Length : 432
Genre : Autobiography
Written by : Anupam Kher
Publisher : Hay House India
This books starts with his childhood days and what I loved is how happy a joint family was even with a lack of finances, a Kashmiri pandit family out of their home state trying to make ends meet but they all are together, the three generations of the Khers living harmoniously in the house of two rooms in beautiful Shimla,the book starts with a hopeful note of “Life Me Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai”
The memories of little things that brought him (Anupam Kher) joy as a young boy such as his first suit and shoes are just so heartwarming.
I especially loved the whole equation between Kher and his grandfather because I genuinely believe that our previous generations were so much cooler and there is so much we can learn from them, it constantly reminded me of my late grandfather who was a news paper journalist and super cool guy.
Also this book has an amazing array of photographs from Kher’s early years and also movie sets
The narration of his later life after becoming an actor from his experiences in his early days, which is kind of a rags to riches story but it’s more of a memory scrapbook style rather than following a balanced narravtive. Most of the book from this point is movies he did, multiple refrences of Saransh (amazing movie btw) but it is mentioned too much, his twitter tiff with Amir is also addressed here and his Hollywood projects.
This picture because Bradley Cooper is my longtime crush
I wish this book was more than this, I wish he told us more about how he felt rather than what he did, the book has it’s vulnerable moments but I wish there was more of that, because when I read an autobiography I already know your moments of height and fame, I want to know what makes you more like a commoner(if that makes any sense)
The feeling of connection with Anupam Kher as a person rather than a actor is basically what I looking for, which was scanty here but apart from all of it this book is definitely worth a read, especially if you are into bollywood or want to be an actor this would be good book.
I am very grateful to the team of lessons life taught me unknowingly for providing me a review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review
June 11, 2020
I don't know how I can judge or rate someone's autobiography, so I'll just say how I felt reading this book.
Having been grown up watching Anupam Kher show his amazing acting skills, I want to know more about the man offscreen, and this book did a pretty good job. I enjoyed reading more about before-Bollywood Anupam than after-Bollywood. The later half of the book does seem to get repetitive, and sometimes going off the tangent. Plus, it's sad to say that I found quite a number of typos. No finished book should ever have typos. The lessons in the book are far and few. I wish they had been the main theme of the book, just like the title suggested.
That all being said, it was a pleasure reading about the boy from Shimla who made it big in Bollywood and the world.
Having been grown up watching Anupam Kher show his amazing acting skills, I want to know more about the man offscreen, and this book did a pretty good job. I enjoyed reading more about before-Bollywood Anupam than after-Bollywood. The later half of the book does seem to get repetitive, and sometimes going off the tangent. Plus, it's sad to say that I found quite a number of typos. No finished book should ever have typos. The lessons in the book are far and few. I wish they had been the main theme of the book, just like the title suggested.
That all being said, it was a pleasure reading about the boy from Shimla who made it big in Bollywood and the world.
February 18, 2022
I’ve grown up liking Anupam Kher the actor and in recent years been turned off him as a person. Still wanted to read this as I enjoyed reading his previous book. Some nice memories of Yash Chopra, DDLJ’s failure scene, KKHH’s “queet”, etc. Enjoyed reading the lessons Anupam’s father and grandfather gave him, the sad story of aspiring actor Swaranjit Singh… the NSD stories! ‘vibes’ of the set of actors who came to Bollywood from NSD & FTI makes me wish I was a part of them and their times. Also enjoyed reading about Anupam’s relationship with Mahesh Bhatt & how disappointed Bhatt was in Anupam becoming a Bhakt. Very disappointed in Kher’s words about Aamir Khan though - disgusted, actually. There’s a lot about the book I became invested in - good and bad. Anupam writes well but there are some surprising typos the publishers have overlooked. Worth the read!
November 16, 2020
There were some wonderful stories from his life that I really appreciated but overall I did not enjoy reading this book. I felt there were some grammar issues and/or the story did not flow, it also lacked the spark that makes you feel connected to the author.
July 1, 2024
Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly: An Autobiography by Anupam Kher- (born 7 March 1955) First part of the book narrates the childhood of the author in Shimla. He is a Kashmiri Brahmin. The three generation of elders of his joint Hind family resided in a two- room house in Shimla. Essence of this part is that during his childhood he found that even with less facilities and money, they are able to make ends meet. The Kher family stay together. This chapter is Hope-“Life Me Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.” The memories of little incidents that brought the young author joy is his first suit and shoes are just so heartwarming. His grandfather had a loving equation with his grandson. He knew that well- dressed tourists are always walking on The Mall Road. A new suit will bring happiness to his grandchild. This book relates to readers as it has an amazing array of photographs from Kher’s early years and also movie sets. Description of National School of Drama New Delhi is impressive. The narration of his later life after becoming an actor from his experiences in his early days, which is kind of a rags to riches story, but it is more of a memory scrapbook style rather than following a balanced narrative. Most of the book from this point is movies he acted, his movement in international cinema. Message from this autobiography is that “people/aspirants must try, anything is possible in live.” It is a good read book for readers of all age groups.
January 13, 2021
Real candid conversations! every Youth should read
What an candid reflections on life experiences by a Global talented star not only on acting but also family, cultures, politics and friendship.
Must read by young Indian adult who wants to pursue a global career path.
Personally acted as child for small roles in Bollywood, have traveled around world a lot and settled in US for more than 35 yrs and love to get back into acting :)
What an candid reflections on life experiences by a Global talented star not only on acting but also family, cultures, politics and friendship.
Must read by young Indian adult who wants to pursue a global career path.
Personally acted as child for small roles in Bollywood, have traveled around world a lot and settled in US for more than 35 yrs and love to get back into acting :)
August 5, 2024
I enjoyed Anupam Kher's perspective on life in general. His saying of -Kuch bhi ho sakta hai does ring true. However not everyone can be a go getter like him or think on their feet . Life throws curve balls and there is no sure way to always win.
An interesting read about a blunt man, no holds barred take on his life.
An interesting read about a blunt man, no holds barred take on his life.
December 12, 2022
Hats off to Anupam Kher! He is a gem of a person I can say confidently after reading his autobiography.
This book will make you laugh, inspire, retrospect and at times emotional.
A must read if you want to succeed while enjoying your journey towards life.
This book will make you laugh, inspire, retrospect and at times emotional.
A must read if you want to succeed while enjoying your journey towards life.
March 30, 2020
Very nice and interesting read
Very nice and interesting read. He shares his experiences of life in a simple yet interesting way. Good one Mr Kher.
Very nice and interesting read. He shares his experiences of life in a simple yet interesting way. Good one Mr Kher.
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May 26, 2020🦋🦋
May 1, 2021
Interesting book which dwells on failure , struggles , Success. Those of us who follow Bollywood would enjoy it for sure.
June 21, 2021
Amazing
August 1, 2021
Lovely penning of experiences across life..
September 10, 2022
Good read of life resilience & belief to keeping growth discovering & reinventing self !
November 25, 2023
A real tale of a relentless person with failures, honesty and perseverance.
February 9, 2020
Anupam Kher is a well-known name in almost all Indian Households. Though he has rarely been the "Hero" in the film, he has become successful in making his mark in the field of Acting.
I have revered his work since my childhood and hence was really excited to read his autobiography!
🍁
The book contains the actor's account from his birth up to his recent International Endeavours.
The book walks us through his school days in Shimla, his time at NSD in Delhi, how he got his first break in Saaransh and also his entry in the international show business.
🍁
He talks about the various highs and lows that he has experienced in his life, his Acting School 'Actor Prepares', his political views and also his relations with people from the Film Fraternity across the Globe!
🍁
The author is quite frank throughout the book making it both enjoyable and convincing at the same time.
Still, somewhere in between, the tone becomes very boastful making it an irritating read.
🍁
Yet, I loved reading about Anupam Kher's Life and the book will definitely be liked by all those who love his work!
I have revered his work since my childhood and hence was really excited to read his autobiography!
🍁
The book contains the actor's account from his birth up to his recent International Endeavours.
The book walks us through his school days in Shimla, his time at NSD in Delhi, how he got his first break in Saaransh and also his entry in the international show business.
🍁
He talks about the various highs and lows that he has experienced in his life, his Acting School 'Actor Prepares', his political views and also his relations with people from the Film Fraternity across the Globe!
🍁
The author is quite frank throughout the book making it both enjoyable and convincing at the same time.
Still, somewhere in between, the tone becomes very boastful making it an irritating read.
🍁
Yet, I loved reading about Anupam Kher's Life and the book will definitely be liked by all those who love his work!
August 22, 2022
Thank you Anupam sir, for the best lesson of life; this book is not only for old personalities, this is a powerful mindset book that is need to each of generation. After reading of this book I got solutions from many way. " your life is your non of other property".
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I'm also a blogger writing many of stories, covering many of thoughts, ideas and profitable products for details.
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Einthusan
December 30, 2019
Anupam Kher is at his best in writing this autobiography. He is Frank. He is ruthless to himself. He is inspiring. . Wonderful. Very inspiring and motivating. An excellent autobiography! One can learn s lot from the author’s rich experience - right from his joint family, living environment!
The book is definitely worth reading. Using real life examples, he has encouraged and motivated us to see things in a positive way. By the end of it, you will Definitely realized that "the best thing about you is YOU! "
The book is definitely worth reading. Using real life examples, he has encouraged and motivated us to see things in a positive way. By the end of it, you will Definitely realized that "the best thing about you is YOU! "
December 25, 2019
It's a simplistic and an anecdotal autobiography and I enjoyed reading it. Honest and sincere in narrating stories and traces the life of an actor from a struggler to a star. I was able to connect with various stories and my sense is that most people who have come up from humble backgrounds would, no matter which arena they belong to. I smiled, laughed and even cried while reading the book. Another feather in the Anupam Kher's cap.
August 28, 2019
Wonderful. Very inspiring and motivating.
October 6, 2019
Annecdotal but a Little Preachy
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews