Anupam Kher’s Face On Fake ₹500 Notes—Actor Reacts: 'Anything Can Happen!'

In a bizarre case of fraud, an Ahmedabad-based trader was left stunned after receiving fake ₹500 notes, not only counterfeit in value but also featuring the photo of Bollywood actor Anupam Kher instead of Mahatma Gandhi. The incident has caught widespread attention, with Kher himself expressing disbelief.

"My photo instead of Mahatma Gandhi's on a ₹500 note??? Kuch bhi ho sakta hai (Anything can happen)," the 69-year-old actor said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He also shared a video clip of a news report detailing the fake notes' recovery, which has since gone viral.

The unusual fraud came to light when Mehul Thakkar, a bullion trader, lodged a complaint at the Navrangpura police station on September 24. Thakkar claimed that his employee was approached by two men interested in purchasing 2,100 grams of gold, valued at ₹1.6 crore. The men provided ₹1.3 crore in cash and promised to pay the remaining ₹30 lakh the following day. However, after receiving the gold, the fraudsters disappeared, leaving behind counterfeit notes with Kher's image instead of Gandhi's.

How the Fraud Unfolded

According to the police, Thakkar was first contacted by Prashant Patel, a jewelry shop manager with whom he had a long-standing business relationship. Patel introduced Thakkar to the supposed buyers, who explained they could not transfer the entire amount electronically. Instead, they handed over ₹1.3 crore in cash, delivered in 26 bundles.

Thakkar's employee, identified as Joshi, delivered the gold to a temporary office set up by the fraudsters. After counting the cash with a machine, Joshi realized something was amiss when the men failed to return with the remaining amount. Upon closer inspection, he discovered the notes featured Anupam Kher's likeness.

Investigation Underway

The police have launched an investigation into the case and are analyzing CCTV footage to trace the suspects, who are still at large. "This is a unique case of counterfeit currency with a Bollywood twist," said an officer from the Navrangpura police station. "We are actively working to apprehend the culprits."

The case has not only raised concerns about the proliferation of counterfeit currency but also added a strange, unexpected element with a Bollywood icon's image replacing that of the Father of the Nation. The investigation continues as authorities work to bring the fraudsters to justice.