Jhakaas! That’s exactly the feeling when Anil Kapoor announced his return to reality television with India Ke Top 1%. After bringing his trademark energy to Bigg Boss OTT 3 in 2024, the veteran actor takes on a new challenge with the JioHotstar game show, which tests how people think rather than what they know. While Kapoor enjoys being the host, he admits that if the positions were reversed, he would “probably convince myself that the simple answer can’t possibly be correct”. In conversation with mid-day, the veteran actor discusses what drew him to the show, the Bollywood personalities he would love to see compete, and why actors must constantly evolve.

My first reaction was, 'This is different.' Most quiz shows test what you know, but this one tests how you think. I loved the idea that ordinary people could surprise everyone with their perspective and problem-solving skills. It’s entertaining, but it also makes you think, which is a rare combination.

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of the show. Some questions look simple at first, but they completely challenge your assumptions. I think many of my friends in Bollywood, including me, would find ourselves second-guessing our answers. Intelligence on this show isn’t about expertise, it’s about looking at things differently.

For me, being in the Top 1% isn’t just about intelligence. It’s about curiosity, discipline, consistency, and the willingness to keep learning. In life, the people who keep asking questions are often the ones who keep moving forward. That’s why I love the show’s thought process, baat khatki toh jeet pakki! Sometimes it’s that one small thought, that one different perspective, that makes all the difference. Whether it’s your profession, your relationships, or personal growth, it’s the effort to keep improving every day that truly sets people apart.

Probably anything that requires me to sit quietly and overthink! I’ve always trusted my instincts. Sometimes when you analyze a question too much, the obvious answer is right in front of you and you still miss it. Knowing me, I’d probably convince myself that the simple answer can’t possibly be correct.

I would love to call Amitabh Bachchan, Javed Akhtar, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar and Karan Johar for this show. They all would be fascinating because they have a unique and way of looking at the world. Even Anupam Kher would be entertaining because he always has an answer for everything, whether it’s the correct answer or not, we’ll find out on the show! And Farah Khan would be a strong contender. She’s extremely observant, very sharp, and has a wicked sense of humour. I’d just be worried she’d spend more time roasting me than answering the questions.

Without a doubt! Audiences today have access to content from all over the world. They can watch a film, a series, a documentary, or a reality show at the click of a button. That means actors need to constantly evolve, experiment, and push themselves. Versatility is no longer a bonus, it’s essential.

I’ve always believed that the medium doesn’t matter, the content does. Whether it’s cinema, streaming, television, or reality shows, if something excites me and gives me an opportunity to connect with audiences in a meaningful way, I’m open to it. Right now, I’m enjoying this experience and taking it one project at a time.