Veteran actor Anupam Kher has ignited a fresh debate with his remarks on the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. In an exclusive interview with India Today conducted during his visit to Ayodhya for his upcoming film, Kher described the reported theft as a relatively minor issue stemming from individual greed, contrasting it sharply with the historical destruction and looting of temples by Mughal rulers.
Speaking candidly, Kher stated that while the current incident is unfortunate and those responsible must be held accountable, it pales in comparison to the widespread plunder during the Mughal period. He referenced historical accounts of temples being demolished, Brahmins being killed, sacred threads being weighed as loot, and desecration including violence against women in temple premises. “If we can overcome that [historical trauma], then this is a very-very minor thing,” he remarked, emphasising that faith in Sanatan Dharma and the temple’s sanctity should not be undermined by the actions of a few individuals.
The actor drew an analogy: “If there’s a theft in a house, you don’t blame or abandon the house itself.” He urged strict punishment for the accused while stressing that the temple, built after centuries of struggle, represents something far greater.
Kher made these comments while in Ayodhya to seek blessings at the Ram Mandir before commencing shooting for his new film ‘Shri Ram Bhoomi’. The movie explores the journey and struggles behind the Ram Temple’s construction, with Kher portraying the late Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal, a prominent figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
“There was rampant looting when the Mughals destroyed our temples. Plunder ensued when Mughal kings killed Brahmins and weighed the sacred threads they had stripped from them. There was looting when numerous Mughal emperors came and carted away valuables from every temple. There was plunder when women were raped in temple premises. That’s a much bigger problem. If we can overcome that, then this is a very-very minor thing”, the actor said. That clip had gone viral on social media drawing widespread criticisms.
On July 10, 2026, Kher shared the first-look images from the film’s sets on social media, officially confirming his role after some photos had already leaked. He expressed pride in bringing this significant chapter of history to the screen. The donation controversy erupted after an internal audit at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Trust revealed discrepancies, leading to arrests and resignations, including that of General Secretary Champat Rai. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the matter.
