Mumbai, Feb 11 (IANS): Actor Anupam Kher, who was conferred the Padma Bhushan on this Republic Day, "celebrated" the fourth death anniversary of his father Pushkarnath Kher with over 700 specially-abled children.

In attendance were Bollywood singers Shaan and Kailash Kher among others.

"My father celebrated my failures and successes with equal joy. He was my greatest fan and admirer. And he always loved the company of children and he celebrated life. In fact his last words to me were 'Live Life!'

"So when he passed away, instead of mourning his loss, I held a rock concert in his honour. If he was alive today, he would have been the happiest man at me receiving the Padma Bhushan. So what better way can I keep alive his memory than by inviting these children to a memorable experience," said Anupam.

Anupam has always been drawn to special children. During the 1990s, he religiously took time off his schedule to teach a regular weekly class at Dilkhush, a school for such children at Juhu.

The connection sparked a desire in Anupam to champion the cause and cater to the needs of such children and he established the Anupam Kher Foundation in 2008 for the purpose.