Anupam Kher refuses to retract ‘Ram Mandir’ remarks:Says, ‘Mughal-era atrocities were far worse than the theft’

Actor Anupam Kher has responded to the criticism he faced on social media after describing the alleged theft of offerings at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple as a “minor issue.” Amid the backlash, the actor released a video defending his remarks. In the video, Anupam said he stands firmly by what he said and has no intention of changing his position because of criticism from trolls, social media influencers or politicians. He also accused some people of twisting his words to suit their own agenda, claiming that the facts were being deliberately misrepresented. Says he stands by every word Sharing a video on Instagram and X, Anupam Kher said that people are often uncomfortable with the truth when it does not fit their narrative. Referring to his recent remarks on the Ram Temple theft case, he said he had expressed his views honestly and responsibly. The actor made it clear that he has no regrets and continues to stand by every word of his statement. He also alleged that some people are more interested in creating controversy than understanding the facts, which is why, according to him, his comments were taken out of context. Claims he was targeted over his remarks In the video, Anupam said his comments made during his recent visit to Ayodhya did not go down well with certain sections. He alleged that people with a particular agenda deliberately portrayed his statement in a misleading manner. According to the actor, this was followed by coordinated trolling and abuse on social media. Anupam added that he has built his career through hard work and is not afraid of criticism or attempts to silence him. Anupam Kher faces backlash over Ram Temple remarks The controversy began after Anupam Kher, in an interview with India Today, described the alleged ₹2–7 crore irregularity in offerings at the Ram Temple as a “minor issue.” Comparing it with historical events, he said the scale of the incident was insignificant when viewed alongside the destruction and atrocities committed during the Mughal era. His remarks quickly went viral on X, triggering widespread criticism. Compared the incident to Mughal-era destruction Defending his stand, Anupam said people were exaggerating the incident by calling it a “loot” of the Ram Temple. He argued that the term “loot” should be reserved for historical events such as the destruction of temples during the Mughal period. He also referred to accounts of Mughal rulers killing Brahmins and collecting their sacred threads (janeu), as well as violence against women in temples. According to the actor, those were far more serious tragedies in India’s history, and compared to them, the alleged theft at the Ram Temple was a relatively minor issue. His remarks have since sparked intense debate on social media. Working on a film based on the Ram Temple On the professional front, Anupam Kher has several projects in the pipeline. He will next be seen in Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 and is also working on a film based on the history and construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. However, despite his upcoming releases, the actor has recently been making headlines more for his controversial remarks and his subsequent response on social media. Eight arrested in the Ram Temple theft case The alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Temple came to light on June 7, 2026, following which the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. An FIR was registered on June 25, and so far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case.