Washington DC: Veteran actor Anupam Kher’s Hindi play Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane received an enthusiastic response in Washington, DC, as the North American tour of the musical comedy-drama continued its successful run with a packed house.
Kher and actor Swaroop Sampat performed at The Theater at MGM National Harbor on Wednesday evening before a packed audience.
The Washington, DC, show is the latest in a series of successful performances for the production, which has been touring the United States and Canada since opening to a sold-out crowd in Houston on Sept. 5.
The play has already received strong responses in cities including Austin, Dallas, Toronto, Los Angeles and New York. Its New York performance also ended with a standing ovation.
Kher said the response to the production across the US and Canada has far exceeded his expectations.
“When we set out to take ‘Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane’ to the US and Canada, I was confident it would do well because we had already performed 10-15 shows in India. But the response across cities in US and Canada has exceeded my expectations,” Kher said.
Several audience members have described the production as “India’s own Broadway production,” a response Kher said made him proud of the entire team.
“To bring a production from India and receive so much love, appreciation and respect is deeply fulfilling,” he said.
The tour has also brought a series of official recognitions for Kher from communities and public officials across the United States, with several cities honouring him for his contribution to Indian and global cinema and the performing arts.
A recognition from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel noted Kher’s more than four-decade career and his performances in hundreds of films, along with honours including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and National Film Awards.
The Town of Cary, North Carolina, also issued a proclamation recognizing Kher’s career spanning more than four decades and more than 550 films across Indian and international cinema.
GOD CONTINUES TO BE KIND! 🙏❤️
I don’t usually keep a record of everything I have done. I am proud of my journey, but I believe in moving on, staying curious and not taking myself too seriously. There is still so much to do! 😊
But this USA tour of my play #JaanePehchaaneAnjane has made me pause. In city after city, I have received proclamations, commendations and letters whose words have moved me more than I could have imagined. Reading them, I sometimes think, “Have I really done all this?” 🥹🥹
Sometimes, back home, familiarity can mean being taken for granted—even at award functions. So, far away from home, when people acknowledge your work with such love, affection and respect, it touches something deep within you.😍
Above all, it makes me immensely proud to be an Indian actor. To see Indian cinema and theatre celebrated across borders is a joy that goes far beyond any individual honour. 🇮🇳
My heartfelt thanks to Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina; Janet Cowell, Mayor of Raleigh; and Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor of Cary, for these thoughtful letters and the proclamation. Your recognition of my work in cinema, theatre, education and humanitarian service means a great deal to me. Thank you to everyone who helped make these moments possible.🙏
With a grateful heart, I now look forward to performing Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane in New York tonight! Another stage, another audience, another chance to give my best.
Thank you for the respect. Thank you for the love. Jai Hind! 🙏🇮🇳 @nc_governor @janetrayecowell— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) October 4, 2026
The Town of North Hempstead, New York, honoured him with a Certificate of Recognition, Achievement, and Appreciation for his contribution to Indian and global cinema.
“Being personally honoured with proclamations, commendations and other recognitions has made the journey even more special,” Kher said.
Written and directed by Gajendra Ahire, Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane explores human emotions, loneliness and companionship. The production marks Sampat’s return to theater after nearly two decades.
The ensemble cast includes Meghna Malik, Maya Sharma, Vikas Rawat, Shraddha Mandale and Herman D’Souza.
Kher’s North American tour now moves to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois and Massachusetts.
The next performance is scheduled for Thursday in Allentown, Pennsylvania, followed by a show in Rahway, New Jersey, on Friday. The production will then travel to Naperville, Illinois, on Saturday before concluding this leg in Andover, Massachusetts, on Sunday.
During his US visit, Kher also met legendary actor Robert De Niro in New York, calling the meeting one of the special highlights of his America and Canada trip.
MEETING MR. ROBERT DE NIRO! ❤️❤️How could I come to America and not meet my dearest friend, and world’s FINEST actor, Mr. Robert De Niro? ❤️
Meeting this legend is always a joy, and once again, one of the most special highlights of my trip to America and Canada with me play #JaanePehchaaneAnjane! 😍🎭
Thank you, dearest Mr. De Niro, for inviting me into your home, for the delicious lunch, and for your love and warmth. Our conversations and your generosity with your time mean so much to me. Every time we meet, the admirer in me is as excited as the friend! 😍
I have the deepest respect for you, both as an actor and as a person. And I feel truly fortunate to be able to call you my friend.🥹😍
My love and gratitude to you, Tiffany and your entire family. Thank you for another beautiful memory that I will carry home with me. God bless you always! Most importantly- THANK YOU for the cap. Your kind gesture means the world to me! 🙏❤️ #RobertDeNiro #Legend #Friendship— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) October 5, 2026
