Veteran actor Anupam Kher has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Bollywood’s current state, pointing to what he calls an “identity crisis” in Hindi cinema. In a candid chat with Bollywood Bubble, Kher shared his concerns about how Bollywood has drifted from its authentic charm in a bid to mimic Western trends.

He remarked, “Many filmmakers, including myself at times, mistakenly equate being ‘cool’ with aping Hollywood. But our gestures, language, and cultural diversity don’t naturally align with that style. We’re a country of 22 official languages, endless cuisines, and vibrant traditions—where English might just say ‘I love you,’ we have 50 ways to express it.”

Kher emphasized how Bollywood’s fascination with glossy remakes, ripped jeans, and foul language often misses the mark. Instead of embracing India’s rich storytelling roots, the industry seems overly focused on Westernization, he argued.

Highlighting the rise of South Indian cinema, Kher lauded how southern filmmakers have stayed true to their cultural roots while appealing to global audiences. “Now it’s not South cinema—it’s global cinema. They’ve held on to their essence, while we seem to be losing ours,” he noted.

Reflecting fondly on Bollywood’s golden ’90s era, he cited classics like Lamhe, Shola Aur Shabnam, and Haseena Maan Jayegi as films that carried genuine fun and originality.

Kher’s message was clear: Bollywood’s true ‘coolness’ lies in its authenticity, not imitation.