Anupam Kher’s image replaces Gandhi on fake currency seized by police

In a bizarre and unexpected incident, counterfeit Indian currency notes featuring Bollywood actor Anupam Kher's image instead of Mahatma Gandhi have been seized by police in Gujarat.

The fake notes, amounting to $193,000, were confiscated by Ahmedabad police during a raid in Surat on September 22, 2024.

The incident has sparked widespread shock and amusement on social media, with netizens reacting to the unusual nature of the scam.

The counterfeit operation came to light when authorities discovered a fake currency manufacturing unit in Surat.

Four individuals were arrested in connection with the scam.

The counterfeit notes, which displayed Anupam Kher's face instead of Gandhi's, were part of a larger scheme to defraud a local gold dealer, Mehul Thakkar, who was tricked into exchanging 2,100 grams of gold for the fake notes.

Mehul Thakkar, a bullion broker, informed the Navrangpura police that two individuals had approached him to purchase gold.

On September 24, Thakkar sent one of his employees to finalize the deal at a location on CG Road.

The conmen handed over 26 bundles of cash sealed with fake State Bank of India tape. While the employee was counting the money, the scammers claimed they needed to collect an additional $36,000.

Upon examining the bundles, the employee discovered the notes were counterfeit, but by the time he could react, the suspects had fled the scene.

The fraudulent notes not only featured Anupam Kher's image but also had "Resole Bank of India" printed on them instead of the correct "Reserve Bank of India."

Ahmedabad's Police Commissioner, Rajdeep Nukum, revealed that the criminals had been inspired by the popular web series Farzi, starring Shahid Kapoor, which revolves around a con man who becomes wealthy by producing counterfeit banknotes.

As the news of the scam spread, Anupam Kher himself took to Instagram to address the situation.

Sharing a video, Anupam Kher humorously acknowledged the incident, expressing both surprise and amusement that his image had been used on the fake currency notes.

The actor's post quickly went viral, with many users sharing their reactions to the unusual turn of events.

In the midst of this, Anupam Kher is also preparing for the release of his upcoming film Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut. However, the film is currently facing certification challenges.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to approve the film for release unless certain cuts are made.

The film’s producers have requested time to consider the changes, and the next hearing is scheduled for September 30, 2024.

This bizarre counterfeit currency incident, combined with Anupam Kher's upcoming film troubles, has kept the actor in the headlines, stirring reactions from both fans and industry insiders.

As the legal proceedings for Emergency continue, the actor's face on fake currency notes remains one of the more unusual stories in Indian media.