If patience is an actor’s greatest virtue, it’s a filmmaker’s absolute superpower. No one knows this better than Abhinay Deo. After a grueling three-year wait to bring the Karisma Kapoor-led crime thriller Brown to screens, he’s finally soaking in the well-deserved applause.

But the universe wasn’t done with him yet. Out of nowhere, life threw in a plot twist: right alongside the Brown buzz, a wave of nostalgia has suddenly revived the love for his 2013 television series 24 — the iconic Indian adaptation of Kiefer Sutherland’s real-time American thriller.

Deo calls it a “sweet coincidence” that the Anil Kapoor-led thriller landed on streaming platforms barely two weeks before Brown premièred on Zee5. “It’s heartening and encouraging [to see] that even after 13 years, 24 is still one of the top 10 shows [on Jio+Hotstar]. I’m getting so many phone calls from people saying they had missed it then and are discovering it now,” he smiles.

But Deo wasn’t one to rest on nostalgia. Even as 24 enjoyed a second innings, he was busy scripting the next leg for Brown.

He gambled by presenting Kapoor without make-up in a striking de-glam avatar, and it paid off. The filmmaker says he saw the role as an opportunity for the actor to reinvent herself. “I told her that if people see her in the same way they did 30 years back, they will be happy. But this was her second chance to do something that probably no one ever expected. She said, ‘I love it. I’m all game. Let’s do this’.” So, Kapoor didn’t any touch ups between shots.

Now, discussions are already underway about future instalments. “We are talking about season three of 24 and season two of Brown,” Deo reveals, while cautioning that nothing is official yet. For now, the filmmaker plans a brief pause before diving back into development. “The ideas never stop. Taking a break is important to streamline those thoughts,” he says.

The Imran Khan, Vir Das, and Kunaal Roy Kapur-starrer will celebrate its 15th anniversary on July 1. While Deo is eager to return with a sequel, he says the decision lies with producer Aamir Khan. Deo says, “I’m ready on one foot to go on the floor immediately as soon as Aamir calls me up for ‘Delhi Belly 2’.

Winning acclaim for his brooding act in Aarya, Sikandar Kher on tasting success after 12 years in showbiz
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 7, 2020)

"It's the first time my project has worked," chuckles Sikandar Kher. Almost 12 years since his foray into the industry, the actor is winning acclaim for his brooding performance as Daulat in Ram Madhvani's Aarya on Hotstar. "I am almost never excited about my work because I have done a lot of projects and none of them have fared well, besides Romeo Akbar Walter [2019]. [In these years] my reaction to work has ranged from extreme excitement to acute disappointment. Now, I have directed all my attention to choosing solid stories."

Kher reveals that he was not on Madhvani's radar, but bagged the part thanks to a powerful audition. "Casting director Abhimanyu Ray tested me and Ram liked the audition. He extracted a performance out of me that left me surprised. There are directors, and then, there are makers; Ram is the latter."

A man who lets his actions do the talking, Daulat is a potent character who influences the narrative of the Sushmita Sen-led crime drama. Surprisingly though, the audience is given only a few instances to understand the character in all his complexity. In a striking scene, Daulat is seen playing with a puppy — a rare instance of him displaying his tender side. Kher says the director and he charted an elaborate backstory for the character. "We realised Daulat is a guy who lost his family at a young age. Zorawar brought him up and absorbed him into the family business. So, he is functioning out of a moral debt. As Aarya and he grew up around each other, he started loving her, only to realise later that the relationship can never be. Daulat is built loyal, but his morals are not skewed as is evident in the last episodes."

Kher who previously starred in 24 (2016) notes that the audience's response towards shows has changed in the past few years. "Had 24 released now, it probably would have been received better. Abhinay Deo [director] had made a brilliant show."

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; November 24, 2019)

On Day three of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Anil Kapoor walked on to the stage for a session titled Director’s Actor. The actor, looking jhakaas in a white polo tee, was welcomed to the chants of ‘Dhina dhin dha’. He was also accompanied by director Anees Bazmee for the session, which was moderated by Tisca Chopra. Read on...

‘JAB TAK DIRECTOR KO MAZAA NAHIN AAYE, AAP BAS SHOT DETE RAHO’
On being asked about his dream role, he said, “One lifetime is not enough for me to fulfill all my dreams. If I get to play a historic character, and work with a director whom I can learn from, I would love to do it. I have never played a blind man, so that’s one dream role I am still looking out for. In fact, I have expressed my desire to my international agents and friends that I would love to acquire the adaptation rights of Scent Of A Woman.”

Anil also recalled how, in the beginning of his career, he would take three bus rides on a given day to observe three people he could draw inspiration from, to lend authenticity to his on-screen characters. “Every person I meet, intrigues me. All of them are real, distinct characters that I would like to play,” he added.

The actor’s camaraderie with Anees was evident when the latter jumped into the conversation to take a pot-shot at him. “You ask him about one dream role and he lists down 50,” the filmmaker joked, adding, “That is what is special about him. Even if he is doing his seventh film with me, he approaches it like his first. His energy and passion, coupled with a first-timer’s apprehension… that’s what makes him Anil Kapoor.”

To that, Anil replied, “I have benefitted more working with Anees than he has, working with me. He has written beautiful characters for me. Filmmaking is teamwork and the director is the captain of the ship. I have always been a directors’ actor, and I am proud to say that. My funda is, ‘Jab tak director ko mazaa nahin aaye, aap bas shot dete raho’.

‘THE PANTHER MUST NOT TASTE BLOOD IN THE MIDDLE OF A SCENE’
In the middle of the session, Tisca Chopra treated the audience to an anecdote from the time she was shooting the TV series, 24, with Anil. She recounted, “We were shooting a hospital sequence at 2 am. All of us were tired and dozing off, but Anil sir was pacing up and down the corridor like a charged-up panther, trying to get everybody energised. A spot boy got me some biscuits and I offered one to him. He took it, stared at it for a long time, and then bellowed, ‘I don’t need it! I won’t have it!’ I was astonished by how disciplined he still is, and the strict check he keeps on his calorie intake.”

At this point, Anil revealed the real reason behind his refusal. “It wasn’t about the calories. Khaana bohot zaroori hai sahi waqt par. I just feel that as an actor, I am conditioned to eat during breaks. If you eat during scenes, you disturb the process of building the emotion required for the scene. Food makes you lethargic. Aur aagar ek biscuit kha leta, to ek pe thodi rukta? I would have finished the entire packet. The panther must not taste blood in the middle of a scene,” he laughed.

‘I CONSCIOUSLY MADE A DECISION TO STAY AWAY FROM KAPOORIYAT’
Early on in his career, Anil had realised that he wasn’t up to playing the typical, romantic hero. “The Kapoor surname was my biggest disadvantage. I did not have it in me to do what the other Kapoors were doing. The characters that Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor played… or even the ones Ranbir (Kapoor) is playing today, I never had the charm to pull them off. They were naturals and I could never measure up to them, which is why I decided that I had to take the thinking actor path. I wanted to carve a place for myself, which is why I consciously made a decision to stay away from ‘Kapooriyat’,” he said.

After doing small roles in regional films, when he landed his first major Bollywood break in Woh Saat Din, he got a haircut from a street-side barber, bought clothes from Chor Bazaar and went home to his mom. “My mom was shocked to see me. She was like, ‘Teri acchi bhali hero ki shakal thi, what did you do to your face?’ I told her that if I have to stick it out in this industry, this is the face that will help me do that,” he recalled.

When asked how he keeps reinventing himself, Anil replied, “Once I established my characters, I decided to finally reveal my hero streak. It was always there, but I explored it carefully, reaching the hero-stage with slow and steady steps. I change my path every 10 years, before people think I am getting monotonous. But I still don’t sleep thinking of the star I will be the next day. I sleep thinking of the character I will play,” he signed off.

Talking about how writing has helped him become the director that he is today, Anees said, “Had I not been a successful writer, I wouldn’t have been a successful director. Writing is of paramount importance while making a film, but it requires many other things as well. I have seen a lot of good writers, who couldn’t become successful filmmakers. So, it’s not just writing that makes the cut, but yes, it has been a strong point for me. I learnt other aspects while I assisted directors. I assisted Raj Kapoor on Prem Rog, followed by 12-13 more directors. I worked in the sound, editing and art departments. I did ghost writing as well. I would often wonder what I am doing, but then I realised that no work is small if you are learning from it. Those small experiences have made me what I am today.”

As told to Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 27, 2019)

My first pay cheque was for Rs 300 which I got playing for the Under-16 cricket team for Delhi. To make some more money, I signed a contract to play English county cricket for various clubs. We would get around 50 pounds for a game and since the money came immediately it was a big deal.

I would even help prepare the pitch, operating the roller, because I got paid extra for that. When it started raining, I would help pull the covers over the pitch and got more, something as much as five to ten pounds. So, I would keep hoping for a shower on the day of the match.

I booked myself for maximum games and would even help the coaches. During this time, I would wear my father’s (legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi; pictured on right) shoes from his cricketing days. It wasn’t just for the nostalgia but because it made me feel like my father was with me all the time.

Every ground had a small bar and I helped serve the orders. I made two to three pounds for every table. After the place shut, we would pool all the tips we had earned and the kitty would be equally divided between all of us. These tips would help buy two meals at a restaurant and taught me how to value money.

I also learnt how to live on my own and manage the house. Detergent is expensive in UK, so four-five boys would share a packet. We washed our own clothes because the laundry was expensive. Whatever we saved, we used to buy something for ourselves or simply take it back home to splurge on the family. I still have some of those notes and coins, British currency fascinates me.

I enjoyed the English weather, no matter how erratic it was. It helped escape the heat back home and also got me some match practice. That was my life from 16 to 21.

Eventually though instead of following in my father’s steps and becoming a cricketer, I decided to pursue a career in acting. Subsequently, I shifted base to Mumbai. It’s an expensive city, I had to pay the rent for my pad and also all the bills. Someone suggested modelling and I decided to give it a shot.

Model-choreographer Marc Robinson spotted me and gave me a break at a fashion week. I did my first modelling job for free. But on my second assignment, I would do three shows and earned Rs 7,000 a day. I needed the money to survive in Mumbai.

Then, I landed my first film, Remo D’souza’s comedy F.A.L.T.U. which featured Jackky Bhagnani, Riteish Deshmukh, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Puja Gupta and me in the lead, and Arshad Warsi, Akbar Khan and Darshan Jariwala in supporting roles. The film opened on April 1, 2011 and I was paid Rs 3.50 lakh. I was ecstatic!

Unfortunately, after that I did not get any more films. I made a guest appearance in Anil (Kapoor) sir’s television series 24 which earned me Rs 10,000 a day. Then, I was offered Shoojit Sircar’s courtroom drama Pink. It marked the entry of Bengal’s National Award-winning director, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, in Hindi films. The film which also featured Mr Bachchan (Amitabh), Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and Andrea Tairang, was a role with shades of grey. Pink made “No means no” the catchphrase of the nation and was a hit. Ali Abbas Zafar saw it and signed me to play Namit Khan, an expert at defusing bombs, in Tiger Zinda Hai, the Salman Khan franchise. And the rest, as they say, is history.


A young Angad on the field

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 20, 2019)

After collaborating with Indra Kumar on five films, starting with Mohabbat (1985), and more than a dozen with Madhuri Dixit, the last being Rajkumar Santoshi’s Pukar (2000), Anil Kapoor reunites with the duo for Total Dhamaal. And while he admits that nothing has really changed with them, he did something new this time in the film which surprised even his family.

“I played a Gujarati for the first time with help from Indu ji who is one himself, and attended a workshop to play the part convincingly. My family thought I’d lost it, doing workshops for an Indra Kumar film as if I was prepping for Christopher Nolan or Steven Spielberg,” guffaws Anil, admitting that after diving into it, he realised it wasn’t an easy role to play despite the laughs.

CGI was also relatively new for the actor. “I’ve done a lot of stuff on the blue screen earlier, but not so extensively. This was another first for me,” he acknowledges, pointing out that he had worked with most of his coactors, except for Riteish Deshmukh and Arshad Warsi. He will be reuniting with Arshad for Anees Bazmee’s Pagalpanti. “I leave for London to start shooting on Friday,” he informs, looking forward to meeting John Abraham, his Welcome Back co-star, and Mubarakan co-star Ileana D’Cruz. “Ileana is a lovely girl. Also, this film is true to the Anees Bazmee-style which is unique, like a Manmohan Desai or Prakash Mehra film. A total masala entertainer, it should be a lot of fun,” he beams.

In the last few years, Anil has done a lot of out-and-out comedies. He admits that he has enjoyed the genre, situational comedies in particular, since the beginning of his career. “While out-and-out comedies are fairly recent, my earlier films, including Mr India and Woh Saat Din had a lot of laughs. Padmini (Kolhapure), Nilu Phule and I had a great time shooting for the latter,” he reminisces.

Anil also reminds you that he had worked with Hrishikesh Mukherjee in Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate and had done Chameli Ki Shaadi with Basu Chatterjee at a time when out-and-out comedies weren’t the trend. “I am a huge admirer of these directors and wanted to work with all of them. I even begged Mrinal Sen and Aparna Sen to cast me, another mainstream star may not have done it, but I wanted to learn from them,” he explains.

The actor also believes that age can’t restrict one from doing a comedy, citing the examples of American actors Ben Stiller and Steve Martin from the 1991 comedy Father of the Bride. “It’s not easy to make people laugh, but you can get away with it with the right timing,” Anil avers.

Speaking of Mr India, buzz is a sequel is in the works. “We haven’t cracked a story yet. I’m a part of several franchises, but I’m not making a sequel for the heck of it, ditto for Boney (producer-brother Boney Kapoor). Also, both Sriji (co-star Sridevi) and Amrish Puri saab are irreplaceable,” he reasons.

Meanwhile, he is gearing up for the Abhinav Bindra biopic, in which his son Harsh Varrdhan will play the titular role while he essays the Olympian shooter’s father Apjit Bindra. “The script is still being worked on, we’ve seen two-three drafts but are still waiting for the right one which will make everyone happy. The film requires a lot of workshops which we will start once the final script is locked,” says Anil.

The third instalment of the Race franchise failed to impress. Anil begs to differ, saying, “It did pretty well. When I did Part Two, some said it was not like the original, by the time we reached the third instalment, they were saying ‘after the success of one and two’. I promise you whenever we make Race 4, they will say ‘after the success of one, two, three’.”

Anil who so far has been answering every question candidly, clams up when asked about the Hindi adaptations of American shows Prison Break and Modern Family that he had announced. He doesn’t wish to talk before it’s time. He also refuses to divulge details on the next season of 24. “We will talk about it when the time is right,” he signs off. 

Harshada Rege (DNA; June 30, 2018)

Anil Kapoor has had a busy year. His schedule will ease up a bit after Fanney Khan releases on August 3. That’s when the Race 3 actor will head to Los Angeles after a gap of two long years. For those who came in late, Anil was among the first actors to get noticed on the international cinema circuit post the big splash that was Slumdog Millionaire. He then went on to star in Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol, a special appearance in the American series 24 starring Kiefer Sutherland, and even had a stint in Family Guy.

Work Talk
At one point, the National Award winner, who has an agent in the US, made regular visits to LA for acting assignments as well as production commitments. The last two years, however, have bound him to desi shores because of his packed schedule. A source says, “He has been busy shooting for films like Dil Dhadakne Do, Mubarakan, Welcome Back, Race 3, and his dream project — the Indian version of 24. After those, he signed Fanney Khan, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and Total Dhamaal. That’s not all, he is also committed to doing the Abhinav Bindra biopic where he will share screen space with son Harshvardhan Kapoor, who will play the Olympic gold medal winner.” The 61-year-old stepped on Indian television with 24. After two successful seasons, he will look into its third season when he reaches LA.

Break Toh Banta Hai
On the personal front, too, a lot has happened this year. The actor and his family faced Sridevi’s untimely death earlier this year. A few months later, he and wife Sunita pulled off a dream wedding for daughter Sonam, who tied the knot with Anand S Ahuja. The source says, “Anil has been shooting non-stop and wants to take around 10 days off in September and October to travel to some places in Europe. This will be a good break for him. His wife Sunita will join him for the trip, too.”

Filmmaker has plenty on his plate, from a quirky comedy to a man-kid drama, a buddy flick, an action comedy and a bang-bang franchise
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 6, 2018)

What was the most amusing reaction to your 2011 black comedy Delhi Belly?
“Boss, after watching your film I can’t drink orange juice anymore!” (Laughs) When I was at Harvard University, some NRI students were excited to have a new words for laundry… ‘lundry’. But for me personally the biggest high was watching my then 85-year-old dad (actor Ramesh Deo) and my son who was 12 laugh together over the same film. Of course, my dad had been skeptical initially, wondering if I really wanted to show this film to my son while my son had asked, “You really want to show this to grandpa?”

Your father, Ramesh Deo, is in his nineties now and still active…
Yes till last year he was actively doing films and commercials. He’s younger than my brother and me put together and I feel so blessed to have parents like mine who are not just inspiring public figures but inculcated in us the right values. I wasn’t launched by my father, that was never an option. I had been told early on that I would have to work really hard for every opportunity and I’m happy for it.

It’s seven years since your first directorial, why haven’t you cashed in on its success with a sequel?
I was pretty gung-ho about a sequel and had even left the film open at the end. But the writer, Akshat Varma, couldn’t come up with an idea that would merit a Part 2. I’ve always wanted to direct another quirky comedy since but not rightaway. Blackmail was the 48th script I read. Actually I read both Force 2 and this one sent by my friend Parveez Sheikh almost simultaneously and knew instantly that I had to make this film. Even Irrfan (Khan) saw the potential in it and said yes immediately. It’s crazy, quirky stuff, with an instant connect with the new-age audience, yet Blackmail is not Delhi Belly. It’s a tad darker perhaps because of the subject.

Have you ever been blackmailed?
Never, emotionally or financially! But as a storyteller and a director, I like to play with emotions, reverse them for creativity and originality. There was this crazy Brit black comedy, Death At A Funeral which really tickled my funny bone even though it revolved around something as morbid as a funeral and a corpse.

While Force 2 was in the making John Abraham had revealed that you already had an idea for Part 3.
Yes, we do have a couple of stories in mind, but after that I got busy with Blackmail and John with Parmanu and now (producer) Vipul Shah, the third part of the Force franchise, will be tied up with his directorial, Namstey England, so Part 3 will have to wait its turn.

And what about another season of the TV series, 24?
We do have an idea for season 3, but today with the digital players in the market, TV is a different ball game altogether and I’m not sure if 24 on GEC (General Entertainment Channel) today would be wise for a channel but there are a lot of people involved, including Fox, and it’s their call.

So what’s the next big thing?
My life is all about movies so some scripts are written, some are being written… I’m working on a crazy action-comedy and there’s also a heartwarming drama revolving around a man and a kid. Then there’s a buddy flick that will make you laugh and cry and a totally Indian, lavishly mounted period-drama. Our weakest area has always been our script. It’s time to stop aping the West, give the world a story that is homegrown and engaging.

Interesting to see a guy who likes quirky comedies as much as action.
Yes, action and humour are not usually on the same platform but since I was a kid I’ve been a huge fan of Jackie Chan and John Woo and an avid gamer who’s played all the action games. And the sense of humour is intrinsic, I’m always cracking jokes on everything around and there was this persistent itch to do an out-and-out action film and Force 2 was born out of the desire. And I can promise you the third instalment of the franchise will be way bigger, the writing already is. I’m not afraid to take risks, rather I thrive on them.

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; July 17, 2017)

In 2015, Anil Kapoor had announced that he is adapting the hit American sitcom Modern Family for Indian television. However, there was silence around the project post that, which led to hushed whispers that the adaptation had been shelved.

Now, in conversation with midday, Kapoor refutes the rumours, confirming that India will definitely get its desi Modern Family. Stating that he had put the show on the backburner as he had gotten busy with his film projects, the actor says he is now ready to focus on the show and bring it to Indian screens as soon as possible. “The contracts are all done and I can proudly say that everything is on paper now. We will lock everything by the year-end and hopefully, start rolling by early next year,” he said.

The American sitcom revolves around three families in California as they deal with daily-life events in their quirky way, resulting in hilarious situations. Starring Ed O’Neill and Sofia Vergara, the laugh riot has won numerous awards over the years.

Kapoor is no stranger to American sitcoms. The actor, 60, brought the popular thriller 24 to India in 2013, where he played Anti-Terrorist Unit officer Jai Singh Rathore, aka the Indian version of Jack Bauer. Having received a positive response to the first two seasons, Kapoor now plans to start work on the third edition of 24. “Both the seasons received a fantastic response and we are kicked to start work on the third season. The plan is on, but at this time, all I can say is we are definitely coming out with a new season.”

The actor filmed the pilot of the digital adaptation of author Michel Faber’s 2014 bestseller
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 23, 2016)


In August, when Anil Kapoor’s international agent David Unger first brought him the offer to feature in the pilot episode of an Amazon Global Original based on Michel Faber’s 2014 sci-fi bestseller, The Book of Strange New Things, the 59-year-old actor had two reasons to turn it down — his son Harshvardhan was gearing up for his big Bollywood debut with Mirzya and he was filming the second season of his Indian TV show, 24, till September 19.

But keen to have him on board, the English makers chose to wait for him, and on October 7, Anil took off to South Africa to step into the role of the authoritarian Vikram Danesh for the pilot of the series.

The digital adaptation follows the story of an English priest who is sent into space to help establish a new colony but what he discovers there not only puts his faith to test but also life as he knows it. The priest comes across the planet of Oasis and meets Anil’s character who is its leader.

Penned by Bridge of Spies writer Matt Charman, who is also the executive producer, the pilot is directed by Kevin MacDonald whose 2006 film, The Last King of Scotland, received global critical acclaim and won its lead actor, Forest Whitaker, the Oscar for Best Actor. His 2009 political-thriller, State of Play, featured Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck in a face-off. “I felt fortunate for this opportunity because of the genius that Kevin is! I saw the most magnificent content unfold in front of my eyes as I watched him direct,” Kapoor reminisces, adding that it would have been “devastating” if he’d missed out on this role. The part also marks his international debut on the digital platform, a first for a Bollywood A-lister. Next up, Kapoor has his fingers crossed as the makers wait to hear if the show is picked up for a complete season by Amazon Studios.

The actor-producer whose repertoire of international hits including Oscar favourite, Slumdog Millionnaire, where he put then debutant Dev Patel on the hot-seat, lending his voice for Family Guy, featuring as the President of the fictional country of Kamlistan in the hit American series 24, and a special appearance in the Tom Cruise-starrer Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, says that he’s not scared of failure at all. “If I shoot for a project and it doesn’t work, I’m okay with that. People will make fun of me but that keeps me on my toes. I am always ready to fail,” he smiles, pointing out that he is in sync with the changing times and is enjoying adapting to technological advancements in cinema.

“At the moment, content is consumed more than food. From a five-year-old to an old man in a hospital, everyone is constantly consuming content on their phones,” he asserts, throwing more light on his process of getting into his newest character.

“When I prep for a role, I don’t look at only what I am doing as an actor. Instead, I prefer to educate myself. Vikram Danesh is such a magnificent part. Even the costume designer was an Oscar-winner,” Anil beams.

Like he brought the real-time show 24 to India with an official Hindi remake, does he plan to so something on similar lines with his new show? “Amazon’s plans for India are incredible. They’re launching soon. It will blow everybody’s mind away. People just need to wait and watch,” he signs off with a wink.
------------------------
Upala KBR (DNA; November 23, 2016)

Anil Kapoor makes his digital debut with Amazon Originals’ new sci-fi drama pilot, The Book Of Strange New Things, based on the book by Michael Faber. The one-hour pilot is set to be written and executive produced by Matt Charman (Bridge Of Spies) with Kevin MacDonald (The Last King Of Scotland) directing. Here, the actor talks about his digital debut...

What made you say yes?
I like to keep re-inventing myself. I like to put myself in a situation where there is a possibility that I can fail. Acting in English is so scary. You can’t keep on working with people you know. You may fail in an unfamiliar format and I know I am petrified today about working in The Book of Strange New Things. But when I am petrified, it pushes me to challenge myself further. I like to push my boundaries!

Please continue...
So, when I get an opportunity to push myself I grab it. Like I did with my first Hollywood film Slumdog Millionaire where I played an anchor and had to suddenly speak in English. I did 24 and could have failed there on the small screen, but I just worked harder. When I did Mission Impossible, I was scared again. Though it was a huge success, it was a small cameo. It wasn’t a lead role and I had to do my best to stand out. I admire all the famous character actors like Paresh Rawal, Naseerudin Shah, Pankaj Kapur and Ben Kingsley. Doing different things is the only way I can sharpen my skills and not stagnate as an actor.

You haven’t attempted science fiction before...
This was a scary factor for me. Now, thanks to this, I am seeing all those sci-fi films and understanding what it is about. I have seen Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars, but that’s about it. I am a boy from Chembur, what do I know about such people? I just knew that Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. But now, slowly when I watch sci-fi cinema, I enjoy it more. By the way, Sonam has read the book and loved it.

Are you playing a grey character in the web series?
I will say that Danesh is a very complex character, so that makes it more interesting and exciting. I feel challenged and excited as an actor. It’s a completely alien zone for me and that’s also the biggest advantage. I was speaking to Shekhar Kapur about it and that I am getting to work with some of the world’s best creative teams. The director and producer are Oscar winners and the writer is an Oscar nominee. These are people who are respected all over the world. I feel very strongly that streaming is the future of the world, so why not stick out my neck now and see what happens? I am getting this opportunity to work with some phenomenal talent, so ghus jao!

Would you do a bold streaming series?
My role is the most important thing to me as well the people around it who are at the helm of affairs. Those are my priorities — the producer, director, studio and my role, then I go into the content. It can be anything from the simplest one to the boldest. It has to excite me, and if it does, I will do it. To see how bold my role is, is not my criteria as an actor. I just go with my instincts. I loved the story of the show and I said yes.

What is next for your television production after 24?
I’m fully into the production phase now with the Indian versions of Modern Family, Prison Break and the third season of 24.

Your 24 won six trophies at the Indian TV awards. Were you expecting it to do so well?
No. I didn’t expect it this time. I thought they wouldn’t give it to me as I didn’t attend. Sometimes, you can guess whether they are genuine or not and you can tell them from before so getting so many was a pleasant surprise. I couldn’t attend the event as I was at the International Children’s Film Festival in Jaipur.

Anil Kapoor on completing 100 days of 24 and the plan ahead
Upala KBR (DNA; October 1, 2016)


Anil who has been shooting round-the-clock, tells us, “It was exciting, thrilling, fulfilling, intense and exhausting. When we completed the last shot, I was choked with emotions as I bid farewell to everyone. When I got home my wife Sunita told me, ‘I have got my husband back.’ Everyone in my family was so excited about me coming home now. My manager Jalal went home to sleep after 100 days. We have shot for over 150 days including a prep period of 50 days.”

One of his favourite memories of Season 2 is a compliment from a contemporary, “I was very moved when Shabana (Azmi) said that I have raised the bar enormously for Indian TV with 24. When we ended the show everyone on my team came and hugged me. It has been an amazingly emotional, sentimental, physically draining journey for me. Yet I have learned from the whole experience. We have been shooting round-the-clock for the last one-and-a half-months since July and I am very happy, relieved and proud of what we have achieved.”

Now that the second season 24 is over another chapter will begin for Anil next week, “Our last episode will air on October 9 and my son Harshavardhan’s film Mirzya is releasing on October 7. So I begin another journey now as a father. People ask me if I feel sad now that 24 has ended. There are two things that are not in my dictionary and have been banned from the Kapoor home ­­—­ sadness, depression and boredom. When people feel sad, we give them a kick, when bored a slap and when depressed joota maarte hai hum. We don’t go to psychiatrists this way. In Indian families we are all there to give each other happiness and moral support.”

So after this can we expect 24: Season 3? “Right now, I am not thinking of a third series. Now, I will get into films as I have signed Mubarkan and Fanney Khan. On TV, I will dive into the Indian adaptation of Modern Family. My team is in place.” But he won’t act in it because of his movie commitments. He adds jokingly, “Of course if any actor acts smarts in my production, I will replace him with myself. I can be the father, the husband or even play the gay character. So all actors in Modern Family beware!”

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 12, 2016)

In an industry where star kids are more sought-after, a project launching seven newcomers was seen as a bold decision. Anil Kapoor’s production house was backing a film titled Saat Hindustani, later rechristened as Saat, which was supposed to roll last year. However, due to high production cost and low viability, the project was put on the backburner. Now, it has been revived with Anil taking keen interest, claim insiders. The film will mark the directorial debut of Karan Boolani, rumoured to be dating veteran actor’s elder daughter, producer Rhea Kapoor.

A source close to the project says, “There have been a few changes in the script. They had earlier locked the cast, but are now looking for new faces. They should start rolling by the end of this year. The US schedule has been reduced from 40-odd days to 10 now. Rhea has always had faith in the project. The earlier cast (that included Divyendu Sharma) was also chosen in consultation with her. She has sharp business acumen and understood that the project needs a few changes to lure distributors.”

In the past, Karan has assisted on Wake Up Sid and Aisha (Rhea’s film) and is currently co-directing the second season of Anil’s television series, 24. Sources say the Kapoors want Karan to get a good working knowledge as director before he calls the shots for his own feature film.

Confirming the development, Karan says, “The film was never shelved. We are in the process of finalising the cast and completing other formalities. I am currently busy with 24 and once we wrap it up by the end of this month, we will move on to the film.”

Surveen Chawla admits that while he is her father’s age, it didn’t deter her from kissing him on 24 Season 2
Urmimala Banerjee (DNA; August 1, 2016)


Tell us about your role in 24?
I cannot say much about my role now because I am afraid if I say one word about it, I will end up saying a lot more, which will be catastrophic. All I will say is that it’s an edgy and multi-layered character. She is Haroon Sherchand’s (Sikandar Kher) girlfriend, but in love with Jai Singh Rathore (Anil Kapoor). You have to wait for the story to unfold.

Let’s talk about the lip lock with Anil Kapoor?
Well, I did tell Abhinay (Deo, director) sir that I was feeling awkward and nervous. I have kissed on screen before, but there was a feeling of hesitation because technically, Anil sir is my father’s age. Of course, I would be ashamed to say this to him as he’s hot at 59! I psyched myself for around five minutes before the shot. I know as an actor I would kiss a piece of furniture if I was told to do so. Moreover, it was a closed set. Everyone was professional and serious. There was no giggling around. People should stop making such a hullabaloo about kissing in films or TV. Just look at the West.

Has the image as a hot actress after Hate Story 2 hampered your career?
Yes, the kind of projects I got post Hate Story 2 were a bit of a dampener. The film was not an erotic thriller per se. It was a revenge drama about this helpless girl who becomes an avenging angel. Sadly, you get slotted very quickly in Bollywood. As an actor, my job is to perform. The manner in which producers market a film is not in your hands. Yet that builds an image about an artiste. I have rejected many films in the Hate Story 2 genre to avoid being typecast. Then, 24 came up and it is a fab project to be associated with. It is made like a film. The makers have cast characters for the roles and not just famous names.

How is the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa experience?
It is a lot of fun combined with intense pressure. My body pains all over after doing rehearsals. I am not used to dancing for so many hours. It is very different from gymming. I am not a trained dancer, so it is tough. Coping up with this regime is difficult, physically and mentally. However, the high of learning something new is keeping me motivated..

The indefatigable Anil Kapoor returns with a bigger, better second season of 24. This one aims to awaken the patriot in you
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; July 24, 2016)

The set of the Indian version of 24, at Goregaon (East), is a sleek one. Lead actor Anil Kapoor, who reprises his role of ex-Army man Jai Singh Rathore in the second season, is dressed in fatigues and a bullet proof vest. The scene is an intense one set in the Anti-Terrorism Unit, full of computers that beep and blink with graphics and pictures of missing people and suspects. If the first season was about saving a politician from being assassinated, this one is about saving the country from a terror attack — think bio warfare. "We are waking up to reports of terrorism every day. So it made sense to address that. This season is adapted from the third season of the original series for the same reason. The terrorists have gone beyond weapons of mass destruction. This attack deals with a virus — a virus that can kill within 24 hours of infecting you," says Kapoor, who owns the Indian rights to the show.

Written by Rensil D'Silva (Rang De Basanti), Bhavani Iyer and Priya Pinto, and directed in parts by D’Silva and Abhinay Deo (Delhi Belly), the show is a fast-paced, stay-on-the-edge-of-your-seats thriller. Along with Kapoor, it stars Sakshi Tanwar, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sikander Kher and Suvreen Chawla. "In the first season, we got comments such as 'oh we can't even go to the bathroom, for fear of missing something’. But that’s the fun of it. The plot and execution is done so well that you wouldn’t want to move," Deo tells us.

It’s clear that the makers have upped the ante from the first season, which followed the antics of Rathore trying to save the Prime Minister from an assassination attack. Rathore, a patriot, ends up saving the PM but loses his wife. Season 2 starts three years later — Rathore has been fired from the ATU, and is an alcoholic. There is also a son, who is now an agent, with whom Rathore has a troubled relationship. But, of course, he gets his act together to save the country.

"This time around, the scale has been upped in all ways possible," says Deo, "characters, locations, magnitude of threat… but we have still kept it simplified keeping the TV audience in mind." D’Silva adds, "There are many things happening — there is a jail outbreak, so a jail set had to be set up. There are people getting infected, they need to be quarantined... it was ambitious in many ways. The good thing is that TV is a writer’s medium. We took two years to write the show and it was exhausting. We had to make sure whoever was directing — Abhinay or me — we had to keep the grammar of the show intact."

For Kapoor, it’s key that the audience is hooked. "We have tried to make the twists and turns original, and that’s why everyone will enjoy it," he says, as he wraps up a scene. As actor, he had to go through intense training to be prepared for the show’s action scenes. Deo was convinced that 60-year-old Kapoor needed to try out action like he had in his entire career. "He’s the youngest on set if you go by energy levels," laughs Deo. And so experts were brought on to train Kapoor in the fine art of fighting.

"It’s a lot like dance. You need to be choreographed. And it’s not like hammer and tongs physical. There are slight movements — where a single touch can maim someone," explains Kapoor. Ask him how much input he gives to direction and writing, and he says, "I am always around if they need any help. But my main focus was to get the right people and then let them do their work. They let me focus on the acting."

But it’s not just the action that 24 has in plenty. There’s emotion too. Kapoor has a budding romantic relationship and is also trying to mend fences with his son. But his relationship is the one he shares with his country. "The biggest feeling the audience needs to take away is a feeling of patriotism. For Rathore, everything in his life comes after the country. The nation always wins, you know?"

Kamal Mishra (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 16, 2016)

Anil Kapoor may have invoked many a wolf-whistle as he jostled for space with commoners while hanging out from the footboard of a packed local (Mirror, July 14). But the act, for a promotional shoot of his upcoming TV show 24, has landed the 59-year-old actor in a bit of a pickle.

Kapoor who boarded a Borivali-bound slow local from Churchgate's platform number one at 12.24 pm on Thursday is seen hanging out of the train with fellow commuters in pictures and videos that soon started making the rounds on the social media. Taking note of the incident, Western Railway Publicity Department has sent a notice to Market Men Consumer and Events PVT LTD, the company behind the promo shoot, seeking explanation for the incident as it flouts the safety terms and conditions during shoots.

"The agency failed to ensure that Anil Kapoor observed safety measures while performing stunts. They have accordingly been issued a warning notice," Anand Vijay Jha, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, Western Railway, Mumbai Central Division, informed Mirror, while Shailesh Goel, former member of Indian Railway Users Consultative Council contented, "A star performing stunts in a local train will send a wrong message to the young generation. It should not be allowed; commuters are already facing problems because of youngsters attempting stunts."

Thirteen people have died and 89 injured after dashing into poles while travelling on footboards while 17 died and 18 injured while travelling on rooftop of locals in 2015.

Meanwhile, youngsters performing daredevil stunts have ended up killed or permanently maimed, following which railway authorities have regularly campaigned for safety and security during train commutes. According to Anand Vijay Jha, Western Railway officials also appealed to Kapoor to become their brand ambassador and discourage commuters from travelling on footboards and performing stunts.

Sikandar Kher after breaking off his engagement is happy to live at his parents' forever
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 15, 2016)

On January 30, 2016, Anupam Kher took to the social media to announce: "Happy to share that our dearest @sikandarbk got engaged to wonderful Priya Singh, d/o dear Jasjit & Kavita Singh :)" Five-and-a-half months later, the engagement has been called off.

Priya is Anil Kapoor's wife, Sunita's neice. Sikandar is Kirron's son from her first marriage to Gautam Berry. She had lost her first fiance, Ashish Mahbubani, to a heart attack in 2015, and found love again with Sikandar. But within weeks of making their relationship official, there was trouble in paradise, reportedly over Sikandar's erratic lifestyle. Frequent fights eventually led to the split.

When Mirror caught up with the 34-year-old actor at a Suburban five-star, he announced right away, "I will talk about anything under the sun except my broken engagement. It's personal and there is a very young girl involved. I'd also want my partner to keep quiet about the split."

He went on to say that though he hasn't made it big yet, unlike other struggling actors he doesn't have to worry about paying the rent or looking for work. "By the grace of God, I have a roof over my head," he points out, adding that with the wedding called off, he has no intentions of moving out of his parent's home. "I had thought of moving out, but life is too comfortable here. I love sleeping in my own bed and still feel 24. Even if I buy a house of my own, I won't be able to afford the staff. The grass maybe greener on the other side for most people, but I like my grass just fine."

He admits that he'd love to sign lots of films and be successful. But he's learnt to look at life as if it were a boxing ring where you keep getting knocked out, but each time he's back on his feet for the next round. He acknowledges that he's been through his share of personal and professional lows. "But I'm inherently a happy person and don't like moping about the past. Now I have nothing to lose, I am free. I've no ego now and I'm in the best phase of my life. It's pointless dwelling in the past," he shrugs, recalling a phase when he'd walk around with audition videos on his laptop, which he showed to everyone. "I'd landed on the sets of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and shown them to Salman (Khan). He was impressed."

His neighbour and uncle Anil Kapoor too offered him the role of the villain, Haroon Sherchand, in the second season of his upcoming TV series, 24, based on the English TV show of the same name. This was the first role Sikandar bagged without an audition.

Apart from 24, Sikandar will also be seen in the second season of the Hollywood TV series, Sense8, a role he had to audition for and later filmed at Babulnath.

"The only advantage star kids enjoy is that they have access to a top director or producer. But nobody bets money on you because of who your father is," he reveals, adding that he's more focussed and pro-active now, he's even hired a publicist!

But does he continue to run to mummy Kirron and papa Anupam for advice? "My father's very clear — just get up, audition and go ask for work. My mom, on the other hand, will tell people to give me a role. Well, any mother would," he reasons.