‘Old friend, recent critic’: Shashi Tharoor bumps into Anupam Kher during California medical checkup

Tharoor said he unexpectedly ran into Kher at the Beverly Hills Medical Imaging Clinic, describing the actor as an “old friend” and a “more recent critic”, referring to their differing political positions.

Tharoor, Kher undergo scans at same clinic

Sharing photographs on X, Tharoor said he underwent a full-body scan at the clinic, which is run by Indian-origin entrepreneur Puneet Chandak.

“While in California, undertook a full-body scan at the Beverley Hills Medical Imaging Clinic run by former Delhiite Puneet Chandak — and ran into an old friend (and more recent critic!) @anupamkher, who was there for the same thing!” Tharoor wrote.

The photographs showed Tharoor and Kher posing together after their medical procedures, along with Chandak and his wife Sonia.

Tharoor explains California medical visit

The photographs later drew reactions on social media, with some users questioning why the Congress leader opted to undergo the scan in the US.

Responding to the criticism, Tharoor said it was easier for him to find four hours for the procedure while in Los Angeles than in India.

He also clarified that Chandak had invited both him and Kher as guests to experience the facility.

Tharoor described Chandak and his wife as “gracious” and said they also own the Spice Affair restaurant in Beverly Hills.

According to Tharoor, the clinic offers multiple types of scans using the latest equipment at a single facility, allowing the procedures to be completed within four hours.