Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who is of Kashmiri ethnicity, was presented a “Certificate of Recognition” by the California legislature for his dedicated efforts towards helping the community, which was displaced from the Kashmir valley due to militancy 25 years ago.
Humbled by the recognition, the actor says that with the honour comes a sense of responsibility.
“I feel honoured to get these recognitions in the US. But they also add to my sense of responsibility towards humankind,” Anupam tweeted on Tuesday. The actor, who was touring the US and Canada for his play “Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha”, felt ennobled with the honour on September 12. The document read: “Certificate of Recognition presented to Anupam Kher in recognition as an agent for change, he is a champion in achieving gender equality, women’s right and a defender of human rights, representing the community of 500,000 Kashmiri Hindus displaced and dislodged, many whom immigrated to the United States.” The “Baby” actor wrote alongside the photograph: “Thank you Assembly Member, California Legislature @rudysalasjr and @kthusu for this most important recognition.” Anupam, who has worked in a number of Indian as well international films like “Silver Linings Playbook” and “Bend It Like Beckham”, has always voiced his opinion about the struggle of the Kashmiri Pandits and how they can be assisted.
He strongly reacted when director Vishal Bhardwaj dedicated his National Award win of “Haider” to Kashmiri Pandits, calling it a “fraudish thing to do”. Meanwhile, the recognition is another feather in his cap as the actor was presented with the “Honoured Guest” award by the US state of Texas for his contribution to cinema and art, and September 10 was declared as ‘Anupam Kher Day’ in Las Vegas.
