Anupam Kher trolled for remarks on 'Ram Mandir' theft:Says it is 'Minor' compared with Mughal-era atrocities

Bollywood actor Anupam Kher has come under fire on social media over his remarks on the alleged financial irregularities linked to Ayodhya's Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. In an interview with India Today, Kher described the alleged ₹2–7 crore irregularity as a "small issue." Drawing a comparison with the Mughal era, he said that the alleged misuse of funds was insignificant when compared with the plunder and atrocities committed during that period. A clip of his remarks has since gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), triggering widespread criticism from users online. Compared the alleged Ram Temple irregularities to Mughal-era plunder During the interview, Anupam Kher defended the alleged financial irregularities at the Ram Temple, saying the issue was being exaggerated. Referring to reports of the alleged fund misuse, he argued that calling it "plunder" was inappropriate. Kher said the real plunder took place during the Mughal era, when, according to him, temples were destroyed and Brahmins were persecuted. He also referred to historical accounts of violence against women during that period, saying those were far more serious tragedies. He added that if the country had overcome such hardships in the past, the alleged irregularity at the Ram Temple was comparatively a much smaller issue. Users criticise Anupam Kher's remarks After the clip of Anupam Kher's interview surfaced on X, it drew strong reactions from social media users. Many criticised his comments, with one user writing, "Anupam ji, are you justifying something wrong by referring to events from a thousand years ago? If someone robbed your home and caused you emotional pain, would you simply dismiss it as human greed and move on?" Several others questioned his comparison, arguing that historical events should not be used to downplay allegations of wrongdoing in the present. The video continues to spark debate across social media platforms. Meanwhile, another user advised to stop dragging the name of Mughals into debates to hide the wrongdoings and corruption of the ruling party. He wrote, "What is the compulsion to defend the government, when the greed of ministers and their associates is clearly visible everywhere, from roads and fuel to temple donations?" Cryptic posts follow online backlash As criticism mounted online, Anupam Kher appeared to respond with a series of cryptic posts on Instagram. In one of his Stories, he wrote, "An honest person's greatest wealth is fearlessness. When your conscience is clear, you never have to lower your eyes." The post was widely interpreted as a response to the backlash over his remarks. He later shared another message, saying that trying to please everyone often distances a person from their true self, and that the most important thing is to remain someone you can respect. Working on a film centred on the Ram Temple On the work front, Anupam Kher will next be seen in Khosla Ka Ghosla 2. He is also working on a film based on the history and construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. While his upcoming projects have generated interest, his recent remarks and subsequent social media posts have kept him in the spotlight. Eight arrested in the alleged theft case The alleged theft at the Ram Temple came to light on 7 June 2026, following which the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. An FIR was registered on 25 June, and so far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case.