CANNES, FRANCE – It was a touching moment of film fraternity when Indian actor Anupam Kher met his dear friend and iconic Hollywood legend Robert De Niro at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. De Niro, 81, had come to Cannes to be honored with the coveted Palme d’Or for Lifetime Achievement, marking a brilliant career that has lasted more than five decades.
Co-starred with De Niro in Silver Linings Playbook (2012), Kher recalled the encounter as “an emotional catch-up with an extraordinary human being.” Posting salient highlights of their encounter on social media, Kher called De Niro “an actor par excellence, and a dear friend whose humility matches his genius.”
The reunion added a warm, personal touch to the star-studded festival, with both actors embracing and reminiscing about their global cinematic journeys. Kher later commented, “To witness him being celebrated by the world is special. His legacy is unmatched, and I’m honored to call him a friend.”
As De Niro accepted his Palme d’Or on stage to a roaring ovation, he acknowledged the global nature of storytelling and collaboration in film. “Art knows no borders,” he said. “I’ve been lucky to work with incredible talent from around the world – including my friend from India, Anupam.” Their bond continues to exemplify how true friendships in cinema are timeless.
