As told to Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 4, 2020)

My association with Saroj ji started in the late ’80s, on the sets of Karma. Subhash ji (producer-director Subhash Ghai) and she shared a great tuning, which was evident when she choreographed songs like “De Daru”. We were simultaneously working on the Mr India songs, like “Karte Hain Hum Pyaar Mr India Se”, “Zindagi Ki Yahi Reet Hai” and the unforgettable “Kaate Nahin Kat Te”. In the ’70s and the ’80s, our songs were overshadowed by the action; Saroj ji, a fan of yesteryear actresses like Vyjayanthimala ji and Madhubala ji, brought old-world charm and grace back into filmi naach-gaana. In “Kaate Nahin Kat Te”, we tried to recreate Kishore Kumar and Madhubala’s chemistry.

A year after Mr India, Tezaab released. Madhuri (Dixit) was still a relative newcomer when we handed her over to Saroj ji. After two weeks of rehearsal, she called Chandra (director N Chandra) and me to Satyam Hall and Madhuri performed to “Ek Do Teen” for us. I was blown over by the moves and the energy. We shot the song in Mehboob Studio and watching it, I was like, “Oh God, what do I do!” I got them to shoot a male version with me which was not there in the script in front of where Shah Rukh’s (Khan) bungalow stands today.

Subsequently, Saroj ji directed me in several other chartbusters, including Ram Lakhan’s “My Name is Lakhan” and “O Ramji”, “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” in Beta and Taal’s “Ramta Jogi” to name a few. They were all a team effort, with huge contributions from the directors, the composers, the lyricists, and of course, the cinematographers. Ashok Mehta and Baba Azmi lit up the screen beautifully in the close-ups and framed the long shots beautifully, thereby enhancing Saroj ji’s choreography.

My leading ladies, including Sridevi, Madhuri, or Aishwarya (Rai) were fabulous dancers while I’m technically not a dancer-dancer. So, I’m grateful to Saroj ji that on screen I did not come across as any less. She was aware that my style came from within and knew what I was capable of. She played to my strengths and presented me in a way that I looked both romantic and macho.

When I was in acting school, I’d learned that in Bollywood choreography, we have pure dance and playback choreography. She excelled in both, her mastery over the latter helping me tremendously. Thank God for Saroj ji, who made me look like a dancer on screen. Her contribution to my career was immense. She was a genius and couldn’t work with anyone mediocre. She had great leadership qualities, evident in the way she dealt with the dancers, filmmakers, and artistes. I will always remember her beautiful smile.
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Despite having two left feet, Anil Kapoor says Saroj Khan made him feel like a dancer
As told to Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 4, 2020)

Saroj ji [Khan] was meant to give several more years to Bollywood. Her contribution to cinema is something no choreographer can match in one lifetime. She changed the craft by bringing back the old-world charm.

Subhash Ghai and Saroj ji were magical and often chose to work together. We were introduced during the filming of Mr India with Sri [Sridevi] and Tezaab [with Madhuri Dixit-Nene]. Madhuri was just starting her career when she recorded the song Ek do teen by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Saroj ji had choreographed [the number]; N Chandra [director-producer] and I had gone to Satyanarayan hall to catch a glimpse of it. Like a proud guru, Saroj ji asked Madhuri to perform the entire song in front of us. Considering Madhuri had rehearsed extensively, she aced the entire number in one shot. I gained tremendously from her as these songs [have now] become iconic, which invariably lead to the success of the film. [There were times], when I'd be on set to watch, admire and appreciate them even if I was not required for the shoot.

Cinematographer Baba Azmi and Saroj ji were a lethal combination. Once they took over, the directors had to take a backseat. Kaate nahin kat te from Mr India and Dhak dhak from Beta were the fruits of their effort. While shooting for [the song] Dhak dhak, our aim was to make it as appealing and passionate as the song Kaate nahin kat te, which is one of my favourite numbers.

Saroj ji always maintained a beautiful element in her choreography; she would ensure to produce sensual numbers with dignity and aesthetics. [There was a notion] that make male actors required a male choreographer, but she gave me some iconic numbers like Ae ji o ji [Ram Lakhan], Ramta jogi [Taal], Karte hum pyar Mr India se [Mr India], which was originally inspired from Kishore Kumar and Madhubala's film [Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, 1958]. After Kaate nahin kat te, my favourite choreography includes Hawa hawai, Ek do teen, Ae ji O ji, Humko aaj kal hai [Sailaab]. During a song shoot, when the original choreographer couldn't make it, Saroj ji promptly responded, came on set, choreographed the number by morning and we were ready to shoot by afternoon.

I remember shooting a song for Jamai Raja [1990] on the train in Ooty and Sunita [wife] had accompanied us. When I expressed my desire to give Saroj ji gurudakshina, Sunita explored all the vintage shops and bought a beautiful necklace for her. It was such a simple gesture, but Saroj ji was so emotional and moved by it. That was her innocence. She would translate her beautiful smile and twinkle in the eyes through us on screen.

I never felt short-changed when I was paired opposite Madhuri or Aishwarya [Rai Bachchan]. Saroj ji brought out the masculinity with the gait and dance. She knew me and where my capabilities lay. She was aware that I was not a dancer, but brought out the best in me despite my two left feet. I am eternally grateful to her.

Actor Anil Kapoor talks about adapting to the current scenario and working virtually
Radhika Bhirani (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 23, 2020)

As working from home becomes the ‘new normal’ for most people across industries, even actors are keeping up with the times, and trying their best to ensure that at least a bit of the behind-the-scenes work goes on. Actor Anil Kapoor, last seen on screen in Mohit Suri’s Malang, has also made a work station of sorts at his home.

“Staying at home is the price we have to pay to overcome the pandemic. I’m researching for my upcoming projects and my meetings are happening over video calls. I’m working virtually for now,” he tells us. We’ve also learnt that Kapoor has become quite tech-savvy, and he is also reading scripts at home. Amid all this, the 63-year-old does not forget to work out and is trying to stick to his strict fitness regime.

“Exercising is key to mental and physical health, so I encourage everyone to do it for half an hour. I work out indoors almost twice everyday and I watch my diet and plan my meals,” says the actor, whose social media feed is full of inspiring workout posts. In fact, in a recent Instagram post, Kapoor had made a pertinent point when he wrote, “The long-term solution to fighting microbes like Coronavirus is not complete isolation or endless disinfecting, but building immunity of the body and mind (sic).” For a little recreation, Kapoor also indulges in a game or two of carrom with his wife Sunita and daughter Rhea. And he says, “Those who have the privilege of staying safe at home should dedicate their time to upskilling themselves and helping those in need.”

The actor celebrated his 36th wedding anniversary on May 19, and treated fans to his heart-melting “wedding story”. He also gorged on “cakes”, but being a fitness conscious person, he exercised the calories away.

Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 9, 2020)

Given the ongoing countrywide Coronavirus lockdown, Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja’s second wedding anniversary was a low-key affair. After the actress shared their first picture together, taken four years ago, on Instagram, writing, “I’m so thrilled I get to keep you for the rest of my life,” her businessman-husband got her to recreate the moment, only this time on video.

The celebrations began with Anand’s mother, Priya, decking up their house with balloons, and the couple cutting several cakes. This was followed by a group video call with Sonam’s family back in Mumbai. Anil Kapoor, who has got the hang of video calls now that he initiates one regularly with his Malang team, got on one with wife, Sunita, daughter Rhea and her beau, Karan Boolani. “The rest of the day was spent on more video calls with friends. The duo also cooked together,” reveals a source close to the couple.

And while Anand gifted Sonam a gaming console loaded with her favourite video games, we are yet to find out what was her gift to him.

Sonil Dedhia (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 7, 2020)

Anil Kapoor refuses to age. At 63, the actor remains a fitness inspiration for many. Even during the Coronavirus lockdown, he is maintaining a strict diet and workout routine to remain in good shape.

“I still follow my daily routine. My trainer Marc Mead is staying with me, so I can’t escape my workout. I am trying to be productive around the house. I make it a point that I workout twice a day and keep myself motivated. In fact, I have been keeping a keen eye on my diet. I feel staying fit is really important,” shares the ageless actor.

Kapoor is also making most of his lockdown time by creating memories with family members, talking of which, he says, “We’re just enjoying spending quality time with each other. It is something we don’t get to do a lot in the course of our normal lives, so this time is really precious. We even celebrated Sunita’s (his wife) birthday. It was an intimate family celebration and was really special and memorable in its own way.”

Kapoor, who has been a part of Bollywood for over four decades, hopes that everyone comes out safe from the pandemic. “I have always tried to stay positive and that’s what I am doing now. I do miss being on the sets, but I’m hopeful that soon we will all come out of this, stronger and healthier, and can get to doing what we love with even more passion and dedication.”

Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 27, 2020)

Much like everyone else around the world, actor Anil Kapoor, too, is trying to keep calm in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. Besides urging people to join #WarAgainstVirus and to stay home, the actor also feels that panic is the biggest enemy of the current crisis as it can spell doom on the whole plan of battling this situation. While acknowledging that this is indeed a “tough time for the whole world”, the 63-year-old feels that the only option right now is to “remain patient, positive, generous, kind and humble”. Excerpts:

Amid this lockdown, and quarantine becoming the way of life, how are you keeping yourself occupied?
We’re all trying to be productive, as much as possible, around the house. I make it a point to workout indoors every day and keep an eye on my diet. On a serious note though, I must give a shout-out to the health and medical authorities, not just in our country, but world over, who’re toiling endlessly to keep us safe from this deadly virus. If it wasn’t for their selfless work, we would all be doomed!

With so much panic around, how are you ensuring that people around you stay safe?
We are just trying to do our best, staying home safe and keeping a positive attitude. My family, team and I, are all aware, prepared and equipped, ensuring that we take all the necessary measures. (My wife) Sunita and I’ve been making sure our team, staff and their families are taken care of in these tough times.

You daughter Sonam Kapoor (aka Sonam K Ahuja) shared a detailed account of how she and husband Anand (S Ahuja) were screened at the airport upon their arrival from London. She lauded the effort put in by the authorities, and continues to spread awareness via social media...
Sonam is in Delhi with Anand. She and her family are staying home and safe. She’s been very vocal, brave and informative about her whole experience, which is a great. I’m sure it helped a lot of people, and has also answered their questions.

As you said you’re training at home. Would you want to share tips on how to achieve a healthy mind and body while being indoors?
I’ve been working out at home almost twice a day. I recently shared my home workout video and might share more in the future. Staying fit and moving, is very important!

Since you couldn’t travel to Germany for your wife’s birthday (March 25), how did you all celebrate the day?
Be it Germany or Mumbai, spending time together as a family is what matters at the end of the day. This year is all about holding your near and dear ones close, but in the safest way possible. So, the celebration was with immediate family, to avoid having too many people in one room, as per the protocol.

Have any of your shooting schedules also been disrupted because of the Coronavirus outbreak?
Thankfully, all my shoots ended in February. March was supposed to be a prep month for my upcoming projects. So while at home, I’m doing my research for Takht and just trying to learn more about Emperor Shah Jahan in depth and really get into the skin of the character. I really enjoy watching period dramas and have been watching a lot of them. I’m also looking at this time to reflect and synthesise for the future.

BOMBAY TIMES (March 26, 2020)

Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja and her husband Anand Ahuja, who recently returned from London, are currently in Delhi with the latter’s parents. The actress, who shared her journey of travelling during the Coronavirus outbreak, has not been able to meet her family ever since she has returned due to being in self-quarantine and now due to the countrywide lockdown.

Sonam took to Instagram to wish her mother Sunita Kapoor on her birthday on Wednesday, and penned down a note. “Happy happy birthday my mama. I miss you so so much. I wish I was there while you cut your cake and I wish I could get your hugs. I love you and I’ll see you soon,” read the post. The Neerja actress also shared a throwback picture with her mother in which the two of them can be seen twinning in black outfits.


Sonam K Ahuja, who is self-quarantining wished her mom with these adorable #WaybackWednesday pictures

A series of good-boy characters later, Mohit Suri's romantic thriller Malang to present Anil Kapoor as 'extremely quirky and mad'
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 20, 2019)

After a conventional over-the-top act in Total Dhamaal, and a nuanced performance in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Anil Kapoor's upcoming romantic thriller, Malang sees him essay a part with shades of grey. Referring to his character as "extremely quirky", a trade source tells mid-day, "Malang showcases the point of view of four people - among them, Anil being one - about an occurring that has taken place over a night. All the characters are grey. Anil's role is extremely quirky and mad.

One can't define what he plays, because his character's [personality] keeps changing. He has a dark humour with heroic shades. He is the oddball in the group; doesn't conform to society and does things on his own. It's a character off Quentin Tarantino's films." The source adds that even though the actor's look is yet to be arrived at, he has been exchanging notes with the creative team regularly.

Though tight-lipped about his character, Kapoor tells mid-day that the "black and white" role is far distanced from that in Aneez Bazmee's Pagalpanti, implying that he is set to offer two films with distinct character-play in the near future. "I start filming on June 8. We have a good team and director in Mohit [Suri]. It is a very well-written script, and the music is terrific," says Kapoor, excited to share the screen with the younger crop, including Aditya Roy Kapur, Disha Patani and Kunal Kemmu.

Interestingly, despite his 35th wedding anniversary yesterday calling for celebration, the actor was busy filming for Bazmee's John Abraham starrer. "Even on the day that I got married, I went for an event to Dahanu the same evening. I was the guest of honour, and had to stay there overnight. I have noticed that I want to remove myself from the commitment of a birthday or anniversary. Sunita always asks me why I work on such days," he jokes.

Boney Kapoor, family joined by Ajith, Gauri Shinde on the actress’s first death anniversary in Chennai
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 15, 2019)

On February 24 2018, Sridevi breathed her last in Dubai, after attending the wedding ceremony of Mohit Marwah and Antara Motiwala in Al Jazirah Al Hamrah.

A year on, her filmmaker husband Boney Kapoor and children, Janhvi and Khushi, arrived in Chennai, her hometown, to mark the day with a pooja on Thursday. Joining the trio at Sridevi’s maternal home, in the Mylapore neighbourhood of the Tamil Nadu capital, were Anil and Sunita Kapoor, Tamil actor Ajith Kumar and Sridevi’s English Vinglish director Gauri Shinde, who was accompanied by her filmmaker-husband R Balki.

Boney confirmed that Thursday was Sridevi’s death anniversary according to the “tithi” but didn’t wish to speak further on the subject.

“She was my brother’s wife, and my wife’s friend as they connected really well. Whenever we met there was always fun, laughter and humour. People like Sri ji are difficult to forget. Her body of work is fabulous and inspiring. Her films are still being seen and pictures still being published everywhere. She will always be missed,” Anil had told Mirror recently.

The indefatigable Anil Kapoor talks about his endless energy, refusing Chandni because he had to sit in a wheelchair, feeling gutted that he didn't do more endorsements and, of course, the Mr. India sequel!
Mayank Shekhar (MID-DAY; August 10, 2018)

Suzie, we're told, is a popular, heavily priced cocaine doing the rounds of Juhu - the effects of which include indefatigable energy levels that last you for every second that you're up and still snorting. The high seems natural. The party never stops, and life seems positive, and happy, and fun, all the time. Which is pretty much the state that has defined the public profile of actor-superstar Anil Kapoor, 61, for decades that he's entertained millions at a stretch. And continues to. What keeps him going? He hasn't tried Suzie, he tells us. Well, just for fun, we checked:

Have you ever done drugs?
I've had hash - ganja. Nahi, charas bolte hain. This was when I was in college, just finished school. Once I had hash, a few times, actually. I've had grass [ganja/marijuana] also. That's it.

But those are [usually] downers. You're on a constant upper!
To be honest, because they were downers, I didn't like them - they made me feel low, sleepy. I said I don't need this.

Were you much of a drinker though?
I've had beers, and [other] drinks; but never done anything excessive.

I'm only trying to get at what drives you (and if there's an external substance that we could recommend to readers!).
This is the way I naturally am. It's just the profession, the whole entertainment business, or show-business - cameras, films, ADs, working with the director, writers, actors, actresses, producers; interacting with media, doing different roles… Everything surrounding me makes me feel positive, gives me energy. It's exciting, pulsating, also edgy - because you're not sure what's going to happen. You're insecure. You do your best; feel it's not the best. But people say it is! I'm just so happy that I don't do a 9-to-5 desk-job.

Which you never have.
Never. I can sit down for half-hour, or an hour; not longer. I have to be standing, walking, running; or sleeping, so that I'm fresh again!

And you've been working like this for 40 years?
I think so. I [recently] called up my producer-director Umesh Mehra to ask, "When did we start the film [Humare Tumhare]?" It released in 1979. Think we would have started [shoot] two years before. So, if I started my acting career in '77, it's been 40 years [plus]. He [Mehra] is also trying to find out exactly which date we started. The film had Sanjeev Kumar, Rakhee. There were 10-12 children in it. I was one of them.

Was that the one where you played the young Shashi Kapoor?
No, that was in 1973 [for the shelved film Tu Payal Mein Sangeet]. I was in the seventh standard. That was the first time I faced the camera, but only as a child actor. By Humare Tumhare, I had done my acting course. And then I did [M S] Sathyu's Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya [1981], [Lekh Tandon's] Ek Baar Kaho [1980]...

A lot of people don't know that you were also the lead in Mani Ratnam's directorial debut.
Pallavi Anu Pallavi [1983; in Kannada], yes, his first film. Balu Mahendra was the cameraman, the visuals were stunning. I was in Bangalore recently, and people still remember the film. Ilaiyaraaja's music in it had become very popular.

All of this before Woh 7 Din (where you first got majorly noticed)
Yes, I started working on Woh 7 Din in 1982. I was not getting any work in Mumbai as an actor - besides bit roles. I thought I was cut out for bigger things. So I said, let me start helping out my brother [Boney] with production in Chennai. He was taking over dad's work in Hum Paanch. Being the eldest, he was looking after finance, while I did all the odd jobs. I would also stand-in for actors while the scenes were being set up. Bapu saab was the director. I would show him how good I could give a shot. He would observe. That's when he offered me the Telugu film [Vamsa Vruksham]. And then he directed my first [Hindi] film [as lead], Woh 7 Din, with the script written by K Bhagyaraj.



Your early stories are actually all about astounding persistence. You could stand around [hoping to get noticed] for hours (at a stretch).
Yes, I've stood behind the camera on Subhash Ghai's sets a lot, hoping, "Abhi dekhega shayad," and that as soon as his [Ghai's] eyes meet [mine], I'll go, and meet him. Then I'd get to know that he's at Holiday Inn. So I would stand in the lobby. Then I'd think, "Why lobby? Let me just go up." So then I would be there in the corridor. I wouldn't have the guts to go and chat with him though. I've sat around at Rajshri Productions office [in Prabhadevi] a lot. It was very tough to meet the Barjatyas, so I became friendly with the production guys - Mr Gupta, Mr Zaki... Suddenly Gupta tells me Zaki wants to make a film. I say, why not cast me? Before I could meet the Barjatyas, the production guy was making a film called Prerna with me, which got stuck. But, I was the leading man. Likewise, while I was trying to meet Subhash Ghai, one of his assistants, Kukoo Khanna, Usha Khanna's brother, pointed me towards a small film. So I sat in David Dhawan's Vespa, went over, and signed up for a film called Rachna, which ran for one-day, one-show, in the theatre!

Did you have a Plan B?
After about four or five years, I did think of a Plan B, but, in films - like writing scripts, or doing anything else to be in the films.

Well, you are from a film family; if I'm not mistaken your father was an AD on Mughal-e-Azam. He also managed Geeta Dutt's work, thereafter Shammi Kapoor's.
He was a very honest, decent, introverted kind of good man - not one of those pushy, aggressive, filmy ones. And he once clearly told me that he cannot do anything for me. I never expected him to either. From that day, I felt, instinctively, it's time for me to go out into the battlefield, and fight.

If the battlefield means sitting around hoping for someone to notice you, it would get quite tiring, right?
It was exhausting, frustrating. I looked and felt my worst in those days - sitting with friends having rum.

Could you channel that eventually in your work; a film like Awaargi [1990], for instance?
Yes, [Mahesh Bhatt's] Awaargi, and even before that, [Subhash Ghai's] Mashaal. Then there was [Bhatt's] Thikana, where I play an alcoholic. This is when Mahesh Bhatt was trying to find himself; it was a pleasure and fun working with him. Both Awaargi and Thikana turned out to be disasters though.

But you basically ended up with a 40-plus years' career, without a sabbatical. Ever thought of taking one?
I did, once. I spoke to Amit ji [Amitabh Bachchan], while we were shooting for Armaan [2003]. He had taken a break for five years. His advice was: Whatever you do, keep on working.

Also, since you began in the '80s, which was all about over-the-top performances, that you cracked, to decades later, when the kind of films being made are vastly different, you would've had to constantly reinvent yourself too?
When I started my career, they used to tell me I'm an English actor. First they used to say, "Zara loud bol. Underline it. Punch de usko. Punch de!" I'd be like, 'What punch are you talking about? I'm just being myself, real. But the sound-recordist would tell me it doesn't work. That I had to start pitching - so you're not speaking, or making conversation. You're talking at them [the audience]. But, obviously, working with good directors, films becoming successful, you get the confidence. Initially, I was not that comfortable, to be honest with you.

You were not always the 'jhakaas' guy?
No, I was not. In fact at the time [of the release of Yudh, 1985], 'jhakaas' didn't become that popular. The film was an average success. They said that I was the best thing in it, and wished there was more of me. The film was more about Jackie [Shroff's character]. That 'jhakaas'; and my character stood out. People were talking about it. But I didn't take it seriously enough to cash in on it.



Would you say that 'jhakaas' image was more a Subhash Ghai creation; with a Ram-Lakhan [1989]: One two ka four, four to ka one stuff?
No, I did Tezaab [1988], before Ram Lakhan. And of course, I had done [Yash Chopra's] Mashaal [written by Javed Akhtar], where there was realism, and a star-quality [to the character] - a combination that you notice in Salim-Javed scripts. The foundation got laid in Mashaal [1984].


If we go back to your entire body of work, a lot of people would say Mr India was a perfect 10. Would you agree?
I feel the first half of Mr India was much more organic, human, beautiful. In the second half, I felt, there were certain portions that seemed really forced. You could say we did this to make it massy. The casting of the children, the scenes were picture-perfect, yes. The same was the case with Ram Lakhan. The first half was brilliant.

Lamhe [1991]?
Well, Lamhe, people liked the second half better. The first half, I found to be unnecessarily slow. A film must hold you from the beginning to the end. People say climax theek nahi tha. I feel it was ahead of its time. And Sridevi was magnificent in both Mr India and Lamhe. She was beyond perfect in Mr India. Or, for that matter, even Judaai, if you've see her in the film, she is exceptional.

Speaking of Sridevi, the tragedy earlier this year was heartbreaking. How did you deal with it?
It is one of the most unfortunate things to have ever happened. Every night, my wife and I talk about her. There's not a single day when we don't miss her. [Pause]

Going back to Lamhe, while it didn't do well in India, it actually opened up a whole diaspora market for Bollywood, isn't it?
Both [Yash Chopra's] Lamhe and [Vidhu Vinod Chopra's] 1942: A Love Story [1994] were game-changers [for me]. I signed both the films simultaneously. I'd had an accident, and was bedridden, nursing my leg, for two-and-half months. It was a turning point in my life. I was running fast, but going nowhere. I just wanted films, one after other - doing films that I didn't care much for.

You've spoken about how you've done a few films like an Andaaz or say Mr Azaad purely for the signing amount.
No, not the signing amount; for the whole thing - advance mein. But the past is past. Why should I say now, why I did them? But 1942 and Lamhe were the kind of exciting films that were not being made [back then]. Yash ji wanted to do something post-Chandni, since it was a success.

And I hear you'd said no to Chandni. Why?
I had said no to Chandni, because I didn't want to sit in a wheelchair.

It would be hard to contain you in a wheelchair!
I was just not in a frame of mind to sit in a wheelchair through an entire film. I was, in fact, one of the first people to call Yash ji and tell him, "Picture hit hai!" He couldn't believe it. I had done two films [Mashaal, Vijay] with him, and both hadn't done well.

So post-accident, you became more conscious of the scripts you'd pick up?
Conscious, yes; but I also started getting offered more films of the sort that I wanted to do. Certain films I did for the kitchen, family, children…

Do you have a clear distinction between a film for kitchen, and craft?
I do.

So when you do a Race 3, for instance...
There are other reasons as well. I have to like my role. And who is producing it, acting in it.

Going back to what makes you special, besides being around for 40 years; you're also a rare Bollywood superstar with a moustache. No?
No, there was Raj Kapoor, Charlie Chaplin, and Shatrughan Sinha.

Exactly, that's it. Did Manmohan Desai ever say that a man with a moustache can never be a hero?
I read it in an interview. He called me up after Eeshwar [1989], and said, "I thought you'd never become a star. You are just an actor." He said he wanted me to do his films. He had said Jackie Shroff is a star, and I am just an actor.



You've had a lot of such stuff thrown at you, isn't it?
I was lambasted, even when there was no social media. But I've always looked at the marathon, the longer run. I didn't go for the 100 metre dash. Well, I did in the '80s, and then I came back. Because the 100 metre dash is too tiring and exhausting. I knew I'd burn myself out.

And was doing television, with 24, probably a marathon thing to do?
Yes, it gave me a role away from the cinemas. And it wasn't the role of a reality-show judge. It gave me creative satisfaction, to work on a great story.

Did you also see LA as a longer-run thing to do? How serious were you about pursuing that as a career option?
Yes, it was a longer run thing: [looking at] legacy, learning, education, meeting different people, creative people, business minds. I was reliving my struggling days. I used to actually go, and audition. I auditioned for David O Russell, Sacha Baron [Cohen], for fun. Whenever I audition, I don't get selected. Everything I did happened without audition! We are not cut out for auditions. It is also an art. We have to work towards it.

How serious are you still about pursuing Hollywood though?
I am at a certain age and time, as far as family is concerned, when I can't pursue it aggressively. If it comes, good; but I can't move base. If I get an offer for which I have to leave for a year, obviously I will have to say no. It has to be on my terms and conditions.

Well, there's so much for you to do here. Could you be the Dev Anand of this generation?
No one can be him. I am so glad I could meet him. I still see his songs, and they make me so happy.

(Speaking of which], you are a singer yourself; even cut an album [with Salma Agha that many people may not know about).
It was horrible. People like to see, and not hear us sing. I used to do ghazals, nazms. So, I sang in Chameli Ki Shaadi [1986]. And then that album [Welcome; 1989]. After which, I decided, 35 years back, that I won't ever sing!

The new lot in showbiz, in fact, juggles multiple things, while they also act in movies. Their main income might well come from endorsements. Why did you never do ads through most of your career?
Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan never did ads. We were brought up [with the thought] ki, "Main actor hoon. Salesman nahin". This is until my children grew up, and Sonam started doing ads. The standard of ads also got better. But by that time, I had already missed out on the best ones. Now I feel terrible about it!

Audience: It's clear that you are getting younger by the day. Can you share some thoughts on fitness with us?
It's all about intake, and outtake; and also workouts. To give you an example: 1,000 calories a day is, say, your intake. So you should work out for six days a week, to make sure you maintain a balance. There shouldn't be far more calorie intake than what you have really burnt out. If you want to indulge on a particular day, you should see to it that for the next two to three days, you balance it out. Don't let loose, and say that for the next three months, I'm just going to keep eating. Then it becomes difficult to bounce back. Also, you can do different kinds of exercises, depending on what makes you happy. Keep changing it. If you find any exercise boring, don't do it. Find something that you can have fun with. And I don't feel that's difficult.

At which point of time in your career did you particularly start focusing on your health, fitness?
I think it was during 1942 A Love Story. I didn't want to do the film as usual.

Is saying no your instant response to an offer?
Yes. I told Vidhu [Vinod Chopra]: "Tu pagal ho gaya hai kya? You are making me a romantic hero. I am a father of three kids! Aamir ko le le tu." I told him I'll call Aamir. But he said, "Aamir phone pe hi nahi aa raha hai." [Laughs]. So then I suggested he should take Bobby Deol, since he was coming up. He met Bobby as well. Then Vidhu's brother, Vir Chopra, made me hear all the songs, and I really loved them. There is a scene in the film, inspired from Romeo and Juliet, where we [the hero and the heroine] are in a balcony. I was working with Manisha Koirala, who was, I guess, 20 years younger to me. And I had done all 'tapori' and 'mawaali' roles until then. Suddenly I was playing this [suave] character. That is the time I started paying attention to fitness. And after that, I didn't stop.

Audience: Anil sir, last year Boney Kapoor announced that he wants to make the sequel to Mr India. Has it ever been discussed with you?
It's a tough film to make. Obviously we have discussed it. But being the kind of people we are, it has to be something really special. So whenever it has to happen, it will. Boney and I are really positive people.

She called you Anil sir, do you like being called sir at all?
You can call me anything. Kuch bhi bolo yaar. I never react.

Another unique thing to mention: You actually don't have a popular nickname, unlike most of your contemporaries who've been around for decades -Amitabh Bachchan is Big B, Shahenshah; Shah Rukh Khan is Badshah, King Khan; Salman Khan is Sallu; Sanjay Dutt is Sanju, or Baba, Jackie Shroff is Jaggu Dada...
Find a nickname for me. It's never too late. Never give up. Main bhi ek nickname launga. Let's have a poll! A lot of people call me AK, including my staff, manager, and many friends. At least Rhea doesn't refer to me as dad. For a daughter to call [the father by his initials] isn't common. But there are too many AKs in the industry.

Audience: Parinda [1989] had some stalwart performers like Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff and Anupam Kher. Did you feel the need to come up with the best performance, or do anything different for the film?
I was doing five films at that point in time. I was at my busiest, running from one film to another - Parinda, Ram Lakhan, Tezaab, Eeshwar…. Obviously I was trying to do my best in every film. But how much can you do? Everybody else was doing less work back then, and I was doing the maximum, just running from one studio to the other.

I think she wants to know if you're an insecure actor.
I had to be competitive. You have to be, and why should you not? I feel a person who isn't competitive, can't be in the business. And whoever says that they aren't, is lying.

As a result of which there is far more politics in show business? Would that be correct to say?
I try to stay away from it as much as possible. Ignorance is bliss - pataa hi nahi kya ho raha hai. Especially my wife, she doesn't know anything; so that's great fun. When she comes home, people call up to say, "Your husband has signed a film," and then she asks me, "Baby you have signed this film?" [Laughs].



It has to be said that even at the peak years of gossip press in the '80s, '90s, we heard absolutely nothing that was gossipy about you, unless there was, and we've forgotten, which is even better. But there is one incident that relates to Filmfare Awards, 1993. The Best Actor needed to be given out. Dimple Kapadia went up on stage. She refused to open the envelope, almost as a signal to the audience that this is possibly rigged. She announced your name for Beta. Aamir Khan has never attended a Bollywood award show ever since. Take us through that moment?
Let me be very honest. If you see my interviews from back then, when people asked me who will win Best Actor, I had always said Aamir Khan for Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, because it was really a different kind of film, out-of-the-box, and I could make out that everyone had worked really hard. I saw the film at Gaiety, and loved it. And then the Filmfare Awards happened, where I won Best Actor award, and I was surprised. I won it, because it was the biggest box-office success of that time. If you look back, it had earned more than any film that year. So there was something special about that performance. I didn't respect that performance myself, but everybody else did. I was also riding so high that everyone wanted me to lose. I also found out from Dimple that it [me getting the award] was taken for granted. It is not that she had anything [else] in mind [while not opening the envelope]. Usne aise hi bol diya. Then I found out from an insider regarding the [Filmfare] poll that was taken, and why there was so much controversy. I was really innocent, and frankly, Beta aur Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar ka koi comparision nahi tha, in terms of vote shares. And I think the jury might have taken a decision to give Anil Kapoor the award. They had no axe to grind with anyone, and they didn't do me a favour either. They never gave me an award for Ram Lakhan, or Eeshwar, when I was nominated for both [in the same year]. They had given it to Jackie Shroff [for Parinda]. They said the poll had got divided between the two films. These, I guess, are just excuses. You can't take awards seriously. It's naseeb [destiny], also luck. And do you think I would have time to do all this for an award? Mil gaya toh mil gaya; nahi mila toh nahi mila. Among all my friends and colleagues I know, I don't see anybody taking awards so seriously.

Was there bad blood between you and Aamir after that though?
I think someone went and filled his ears. Kisi ne purposely nahi kiya tha.

Did you guys speak to each other?
About this? We have never spoken. We are great friends, and this is too small a thing.

Also, I guess it happened in 1993...
No, even if it happened in 2018, I don't think it would matter. There are so many bigger things in life that you do for a film, or a performance. With Dil Dhadakne Do [2015], for instance, I heard that the film had not even reached Delhi for the National Awards. I was quite surprised. I met a few jury members who said we haven't seen the film. I called up these people [the producers], and they said that they have sent the film to Delhi. So, sometimes, the films don't even reach. It's all luck. Sometimes you get an award, when you don't expect it. But it's not as serious as you think. Some people got upset, but that was the age and the time. I won Best Actor for Tezaab and Bachchan saab didn't get it for Hum or Shehenshah, you think I deserved it? No. But it's okay.

He was also in contention in 1993 for Khuda Gawah.
Yes, and if you see the craft, and compare both our roles, then in a way, you can say his performance was better. So it doesn't mean anything. Sometimes koi actor ki film bahut zyada chal rahi hai, uska craze zyada hai, kisi ka kum hai. For Pukar, I won the National Award, but I didn't win any other awards. They gave it to Hrithik Roshan [for Kaho Naa... Pyar Hai]. Can you compare those performances? I was not even nominated! It depends on your phase of life, and career. Sometimes they feel we should reward smaller films, rather than commercial films. I think this is all over the world, and not in India alone.

Well, at the Oscars, you're supposed to [openly] lobby...
Exactly, the whole structure is like that. But we don't have it. I wish we had that structure with members voting, there would be healthy lobbying. You are only making people aware, asking them to please come and watch our film.

To end on a more positive note, we're absolutely certain you'll be around for at least 40 more years in showbiz. Is there something that still remains an ambition for you?
Everything: As an actor, producer, businessman, father, husband, citizen of this country, and being a global citizen - if there's anything I can do to contribute, something that nobody has done before, and something special; why not?

Will you ever take a break?
I don't know. You never know what happens next. Life is too short. So many of my colleagues are unfortunately… Kuch bhi ho sakta hai na aaj? Kal kya hona hai kisko malum? This year has been especially very tragic, and upsetting. So I feel I should have fun, and enjoy myself, and do as much work - be nice to people, don't fight; compromise, thoda adjust kar lo. You never know what is going to happen.

Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; August 1, 2018)

 He is a man of insatiable energy. Forever revved up and ready to roll. Even his young co-stars tell us that keeping pace with his almost rebellious enthusiasm on set is no mean feat. His greys have made him wiser and cooler, too, but in the movies, you need more than just that to be a front-runner. At 61, Anil Kapoor’s platter of films is enviable, his passion is more than a cupful, and he’s still ready to sweat it out at the marathon. His next, Fanney Khan, directed by Atul Manjrekar, which also stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao and Pihu Sand, releases this week. In a frank chat with BT, the actor talks about tapping into his life’s experiences for this role, the relationship he shares with his children and how, even after decades of stardom, he remains rooted in reality. Read on…

Today, you’ve come a long way, achieved immense success and fame, but you have seen humble beginnings. In Fanney Khan, you play a cab driver. Did your experiences from your struggling days help you connect with the character? In fact, this film also has a song called Achche Din Ab Aaye Re, which resonates with the feelings and struggles of the common man in the country.
I can’t tell you how much this film gives me the feeling of reel world meeting the real world. In my career, I went through a phase of struggle between 1978-82, and those experiences really helped me connect with my character in Fanney Khan. I went from office to office trying to get work; you just name the filmmaker, and I was in his office looking for work.

From Tahir Hussain and B R Chopra to Sunil Dutt and Sanjay Dutt (to name a few), I even tried getting bit roles in movies. It came to a point where one director called me for one day’s work, only to give a shot as a dulha. He said, ‘Dialogue kuch nahin hai, bas aake dulha banna hai’. After that, I did films like Hamare Tumhare (1979), where I was one of the 8-10 people. Then, I did Ek Baar Kaho (1980), where I was one of the hero’s friends. Then I went to Dev Anand for Swami Dada (1982), but Jackie Shroff bagged the role. I always had a Plan B. So, I started doing film production work, like looking for locations, shopping for props, and waking up actors for their shoot. After that, Bapu noticed me, and offered me a Telugu and Kannada film. So, my journey started from there, and all these experiences I have gathered over the years have helped me bring in honest emotions to my character in the film.

You have always had this fighting spirit, but did you ever hit a patch where you were uncertain about yourself, had self-doubt, or questioned your stardom?
If I am sitting and giving this interview to you after being in showbiz for 35 years as a leading man, it is because I never harboured any self-doubt for more than two-three days. Even if I hit a low phase, it never lasted for too long. I looked at the other positives in my life and snapped out of it. Most actors who have had a long inning will tell you the same thing. Earlier, when we used to live as a joint family, we all were each other’s psychiatrists, bouncing boards and even a financial support system, so that helped a great deal. I believe that, even after a bad night’s sleep, one should wake up, go for a run and leave the negative thoughts behind. Of course, unless there is a physical problem, or you are dealing with the death of a close one. That is tough, but you get over that, too; it is part of life. Our family faced such a patch this year, but we moved on. We all had to. Some people move fast, and some take their time but eventually, they get going with their life.

Talking about family, you share a great relationship with your children. Being an actor, did you relate to their struggles in the film industry? In Fanney Khan, too, you play father to a girl who aspires to be a singer. Did instances from your real life help you add nuances to your character?
In a way, it did. When Sonam’s first two films released, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya (2007) and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi-6 (2009), both didn’t do well. The onslaught of negativity was huge. I remember calling up media people and asking them, ‘Why are you doing such negative articles? What’s the reason?’ I thought it was unfair. There was constant talk about her body and she would come home and tell us that she overheard people and assistant stylists commenting on her thighs, stretch marks and all that. So, her career and struggles were a part of my real journey, too. Somewhere, I could dive into those areas. As an actor, we do some things that are spontaneous, and for some emotions we tap into experiences from our life. It could be real, imaginary, or plain observation. This film was an emotional journey.

Today, you see young actors go as far as putting on 20 kilos for a role, like Pihu Sand (who plays your daughter in Fanney Khan) and Bhumi Pednekar (in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, 2015). Earlier, actors didn’t have the scope to do that, as they would shoot for multiple films simultaneously. Do you wish you had a chance to delve so deep into a character?
I have not gone to that extent, but I put on weight for Lamhe (1991), in the part where I was playing the older guy. Cinema itself is real and reel, so sometimes you can do a combo. I have dabbled in various kinds of movies. I have done some films which were for my kitchen, some for my creative satisfaction, and there were some that I did for both — creative and commercial reasons. I never wanted to burn out, unless I decided that I wanted to do only five-six films, and then retire like Daniel Day-Lewis (laughs!). My focus has been to run the marathon, instead of doing a sprint, where there is a spurt of madness, but I could also end up burning out. As far as my health, work and money are concerned, I have always believed in enjoying it for the maximum time. If you see my entire career, my relationships and my loyalty towards people and my friends, it is for the long haul. It is for keeps. It is not like corporate culture and it is not cut and dry. My logic is… dessert khana hai toh saari zindagi khana chahta hoon. Sharaab bhi peene hai toh saari zindagi peena chahta hoon.

With so many creative heads in the family, do all of you feed off each other when it comes to work?
I am very blessed that I have great point of views from so many creative heads at home. And everyone is so fiercely independent; of course, it is taxing at times (laughs!). There is banter, too, and when someone is going wrong, and he or she is adamant, we just let it be. We discuss it and say… Let them make mistakes and learn from them. If you observe my career, the kind of directors that I worked with and some of the movies that I did in the beginning, they were radical and out of the box. I did those movies even before I became a star. Somewhere, Harsh is doing the same thing. He has made brave choices, and I feel that whatever he does has to come from within. Even I was very stubborn about my choices. I knew Shyam Benegal and Aparna Sen more than anyone else, though they didn’t offer me films. When I failed at FTII (Film and Television Institute of India), I went to Girish Karnad (who was the Principal), and explained to him that I’m not from a theatre or an intellectual background, but I am an actor. I requested him to give me a chance. That was a huge setback; I sat on my couch and cried for days. I even wanted to go to NSD (National School of Drama), but I thought ki main FTII mein fail ho gaya, toh NSD mein toh fail hi ho jaunga (laughs!). I had fire in my belly and moved on.

Do you still have that fire in your belly?
Now, I have more fire in my belly, than ever before!

Fanney Khan is a story about a father who dreams to see his daughter get a break as a singer. Parents often live their dreams through their children. Do you have any specific dreams for your children, Sonam, Rhea and Harsh?
Sunita (my wife) and I are clear that our dream is to see them happy. I never had dreams like they should be the biggest stars, or have a huge bank balance, or work with a certain filmmaker. Whatever works for them, works for us. If what they have done doesn’t work out, we are here for them. It is not like I tell Harsh… ki zabardast commercial film banate hain. He does what drives him. When Rhea produced Veere Di Wedding, some people asked me why I let her back that film. After the film released the same people said, ‘Kya picture banayi hai’. So, my dream is to see that they are looked after.

Now that Sonam is married, do you miss her being around at home?
Sonam has been working for many years, so I am used to her travelling outdoors for shoots. I got to spend a lot of time with her on the set of Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga. It just feels like she is on a long outdoor shoot and she’ll be back home soon.

In an interview you gave some time ago, you said that becoming the biggest superstar wasn’t your dream.
Absolutely! I just wanted to be an actor; and I was lucky that my characters became so popular and iconic. Suddenly, I realised that I’ve become a star. When Zoya Akhtar approached me for Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), she was wondering if I would accept the part. Farhan (Akhtar) told her, ‘Andar se woh actor hai. I know he has been a big star for so many years, but andar se woh actor hai. Woh satayega tereko, par woh karega’. So I didn’t realise when stardom happened.

Tell us about the last time you sat in a kaali-peeli, in reality, not for the movies…
I’ve done these mad things all my life. I suddenly sit in a rickshaw, and sometimes when the traffic is too much, I have stepped out of my car and walked to my destination. It sounds difficult, but it all depends on whether you want to attract attention or don’t want to. If you have that kind of connect with the audience and your fans, it is possible to manage the situation. I can travel in a fancy car, and I can even hop on to a kaali-peeli. In that sense, I still feel rooted in reality and can adapt myself to any situation.

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.”