Anupam Kher repays 45-year-old debt at Khajuraho International Film Festival:Veteran actor gives ₹500 to Raja Bundela on stage, calls him a close friend

Veteran film actor Anupam Kher repaid a 45-year-old debt at the 11th Khajuraho International Film Festival (KIFF), turning an emotional moment into one of the highlights of the opening day. Speaking from the festival stage, Kher recalled borrowing ₹80 from his childhood friend and KIFF organiser Raja Bundela nearly five decades ago, when he was struggling financially. A promise kept after decades While narrating the story, Kher took out money from his pocket. A ₹100 note appeared first, which he put back. He then handed over a ₹500 note to Raja Bundela, saying the debt had finally been repaid. The gesture moved Bundela to tears, drawing loud applause from the audience. “People will remember Raja Bundela” Kher praised Bundela’s contribution to Khajuraho and the film festival, calling him his closest friend. “We spent our childhood together. In the next 500 years, people will say there was a Raja Bundela here who did so much for Khajuraho,” Kher said. He added that he and his production company would continue to support the growth of the Khajuraho Film Festival. Declines brand ambassador role During the event, Raja Bundela proposed making Anupam Kher the brand ambassador of the festival. Smiling, Kher stepped down from the stage and politely declined. “You are taking advantage of the moment. I said I will support you, not become a brand ambassador,” he said, leaving the audience amused. 7-day film festival till December 22 The 11th Khajuraho International Film Festival began on Tuesday at Shilpgram and will run till December 22. This year’s festival is dedicated to veteran actors Dharmendra and Asrani. Celebrities attend opening ceremony Anupam Kher, actress Deepshikha and 10 jury members from across the country attended the inaugural session. Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi was also present. Kher later visited Shilpgram, where he spoke about his upcoming film Tanvi The Great. See, pictures of 11th Khajuraho International Film Festival… First-ever stage screening at KIFF Festival organiser Raja Bundela said Anupam Kher’s new film Tanvi The Great was specially screened directly from the stage on the first day. This is the first time in the festival’s 11-year history that a film has been shown from the stage. Special session for children on film marketing Film distributor Shailesh Pathak (Sai), with over 20 years of experience, said a special session has been planned for children. The session will focus on film distribution and marketing. Pathak said he has distributed more than 100 international films across seven countries.