On July 18, 2025, Kirron Kher remains a name that shines in both Indian cinema and politics. She is a talented actress, a strong politician, and a person with a big heart. Her life is full of inspiring stories. From acting in films to serving the people of Chandigarh, Kirron has done it all with grace. This article tells the story of her life in simple words. It covers her early days, family, career, and her brave fight against illness. Let’s dive into her amazing journey.
Early Life And Family
Kirron Kher was born on June 14, 1955, in Mumbai, India. Her full name was Kiran Thakar Singh Sandhu. She came from a Punjabi Sikh family. Her father, Thakur Singh Sandhu, worked in the Indian Army. Her mother, Diljit Kaur, was a homemaker who loved sports and drama in her college days. Kirron grew up with her siblings in Chandigarh. She had one brother, Amardeep Singh, who was an artist. Sadly, he passed away in 2003. She also has two sisters. One sister, Kanwal Thakar Kaur, is a famous badminton player who won the Arjuna Award. The other sister, Sharanjit Kaur Sandhu, is married to a retired Indian Navy officer.
As a child, Kirron moved to many places because of her father’s job. Finally, her family settled in Chandigarh. She went to school in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and later in Chandigarh. Kirron was a bright student. She loved playing badminton with her sister Kanwal. She also enjoyed acting in school plays. After school, she joined Panjab University in Chandigarh. There, she studied English Literature and earned a Master’s degree in 1973. She also took a diploma in Indian Theatre from the same university. This was the start of her love for acting.
Personal Life And Marriages
Kirron’s personal life is as interesting as her career. In 1979, she married Gautam Berry, a businessman from Mumbai. They had a son named Sikandar Kher, who is now an actor. But the marriage did not last. Kirron and Gautam divorced in 1985. During this time, Kirron struggled to find her place in the film industry. She faced many challenges but never gave up.
In the early 1980s, Kirron met Anupam Kher, another struggling actor. They knew each other from their college days in Chandigarh. Both were part of the same theatre group. They worked together in a play called *Chandpuri Ki Champabai*. Over time, their friendship grew into love. In 1985, Kirron married Anupam Kher. They became a strong team, supporting each other in life and work. Kirron helped Anupam in his film projects. She even suggested the title for the famous movie *Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge*. The couple runs a production house together. Kirron is also a stepmother to Anupam’s stepson, Sikandar, and they share a close bond.
In 2003, Kirron changed her name from Kiran to Kirron. She did this because she believed in numerology. She thought the new spelling would bring her good luck. Her belief in numerology shows her unique personality. She is open to new ideas and traditions.
Kirron Kher Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Husband, Son, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kiran Thakar Singh Sandhu (later changed to Kirron Kher) |
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Mumbai, India |
| Family Background | - Father: Thakur Singh Sandhu (Indian Army officer) - Mother: Diljit Kaur (homemaker, loved sports and drama) - Siblings: Brother Amardeep Singh (artist, died in 2003); Sisters Kanwal Thakar Kaur (badminton player, Arjuna Awardee), Sharanjit Kaur Sandhu |
| Education | - Schooling in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and Chandigarh - Master’s in English Literature, Panjab University, Chandigarh (1973) - Diploma in Indian Theatre, Panjab University |
| Marriages | - First Marriage: Gautam Berry (1979–1985), businessman - Second Marriage: Anupam Kher (1985–present), actor |
| Children | - Son: Sikandar Kher (actor, from first marriage) - Stepmother to Anupam Kher’s stepson |
| Early Career | - Started with Punjabi film Aasra Pyar Da (1983) - Active in theatre, performed in Chandpuri Ki Champabai and Saalgirah |
| Major Film Roles | - Sardari Begum (1996): Won National Film Award (Special Jury) - Bariwali (1999): Won National Film Award (Best Actress) - Devdas (2002): Nominated for Filmfare Best Supporting Actress - Khamosh Pani (2003): Won international awards - Other films: Main Hoon Na (2004), Rang De Basanti (2006), Fanaa (2006) |
| Television Career | - Hosted Purushkshetra (Zee TV, 1990s) - Hosted Kirron Kher Today and Jagte Raho with Kirron Kher - Judge on India’s Got Talent (2009–present) |
| Political Career | - Joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2009 - Supported Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement (2011) - Elected MP from Chandigarh (2014, 2019) - Worked on film city project and served on parliamentary committees - Did not contest in 2024 Lok Sabha elections |
| Health Challenges | - Diagnosed with multiple myeloma (blood cancer) in 2021 - Underwent treatment in Mumbai, continued work during recovery - Reported better health by 2022 |
| Social Work | - Supports Laadli (against female infanticide) - Works with Roko Cancer (cancer awareness campaign) |
| Awards and Recognition | - National Film Award (Special Jury) for Sardari Begum (1996) - National Film Award (Best Actress) for Bariwali (1999) - Multiple international awards for Khamosh Pani (2003) - Nominated for Filmfare Best Supporting Actress for Devdas (2002) |
| Recent Updates (2025) | - Posted birthday message for Anupam Kher’s 70th birthday (March 7, 2025) - Son Sikandar Kher got engaged to Priya Singh (January 2025) - Active in public events in Chandigarh post-recovery |
| Notable Traits | - Strong, versatile actress known for emotional roles - Dedicated politician and social worker - Courageous in facing personal and health challenges - Believes in numerology (changed name spelling in 2003) |
Acting Career
Kirron Kher’s acting career began in 1983 with a Punjabi film called *Aasra Pyar Da*. People loved her performance. But after her divorce, she took a break from films to raise her son, Sikandar. She returned to acting in the 1990s. Her comeback was through theatre. She acted in a play called *Saalgirah*, which was a big hit. This gave her confidence to try films again.
In 1996, Kirron starred in *Sardari Begum*, a film by Shyam Benegal. Her role won her the National Film Award for Special Jury. This was a turning point in her career. In 1999, she acted in a Bengali film called *Bariwali*. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for this role. However, there was a controversy. Another actress, Rita Koiral, said she dubbed for Kirron’s role. Kirron explained that she worked hard on her dialogues. The award was not shared, and Kirron’s talent was recognized.
Kirron became famous for playing supporting roles in Bollywood films. In 2002, she acted in *Devdas* with Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Her role as the mother was loved by all. She was nominated for the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. Kirron also starred in films like *Main Hoon Na* (2004), *Rang De Basanti* (2006), and *Fanaa* (2006). Her role in *Khamosh Pani* (2003) won her many international awards. She played a strong woman who faced tough times during India’s partition. Kirron’s acting made people feel her character’s pain.
Apart from films, Kirron hosted TV shows. In the 1990s, she hosted *Purushkshetra* on Zee TV. This show talked about women’s issues and sexuality. It was bold for its time. She also hosted *Kirron Kher Today* and *Jagte Raho with Kirron Kher*. In 2009, she became a judge on *India’s Got Talent*. Her warm personality made her a favorite judge. Even during her cancer treatment, she continued working on the show. This shows her dedication to her work.
Political Journey
Kirron Kher is not just an actress. She is also a politician. In 2009, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She admired Narendra Modi even before he became India’s Prime Minister. In 2011, she supported Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement. She also campaigned for BJP in Chandigarh’s municipal elections.
In 2014, BJP chose Kirron as their candidate for the Lok Sabha elections from Chandigarh. She won the election, defeating Congress leader Pawan Bansal. She became a Member of Parliament (MP). In 2019, she won again with a big margin. As an MP, Kirron worked hard for Chandigarh. She promised to build a film city in the city. The Chandigarh Administration accepted her idea. She also served on many committees, like the Standing Committee on Home Affairs and the Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
In 2017, Kirron faced criticism. She suggested women should avoid traveling with strangers after a crime in Chandigarh. Many people disagreed with her statement. But Kirron continued her work with honesty. She is known for her lively speeches in Parliament. In 2019, a video of her funny reactions during a Parliament session went viral. This showed her fun side.
Health Challenges
In 2021, Kirron faced a big challenge. She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. The news came on April 1, 2021, when a BJP leader shared it. Kirron went to Mumbai for treatment. Her son, Sikandar, and husband, Anupam, supported her. Kirron stayed strong. She did not stop working. She continued judging *India’s Got Talent* from home. She shared updates about her health on social media. Her fans prayed for her recovery. By 2022, Sikandar said she was doing much better. Kirron’s courage inspired many people.
Social Work
Kirron Kher has a big heart. She works for social causes. She supports *Laadli*, a campaign against female infanticide. She also works with *Roko Cancer*, a group that spreads awareness about cancer. Her work shows her love for helping others. She uses her fame to make a difference in society.
Recent Updates
In 2024, BJP did not give KiRecent Updates
rron a ticket for the Lok Sabha elections. This ended her time as an MP. But Kirron remains active. She is recovering from her cancer treatment. She attends public events in Chandigarh. Her fans love her for her strong spirit. On March 7, 2025, Anupam Kher turned 70. Kirron posted a sweet birthday message for him on social media. This showed their strong bond. Their son, Sikandar, got engaged to Priya Singh in January 2025. Kirron and Anupam were happy for him.
Conclusion
Kirron Kher is a true star. She is an actress, a politician, and a fighter. Her journey from Chandigarh to Bollywood and Parliament is inspiring. She faced struggles in her personal life and career but never gave up. Her fight against cancer shows her strength. Kirron’s love for acting, politics, and social work makes her special. She is a role model for many. Her story teaches us to stay strong and follow our dreams. Kirron Kher will always be remembered for her talent and courage.