Upclose: I don’t mind playing a grandfather: Anil Kapoor

Slumdog Millionaire star only concerned about good scripts, talks roaring success of India adapting American show ‘24’

NEW DELHI: Actor-producer Anil Kapoor, often tagged as a “forever young” star in the industry, says, be it a father or grandfather, he is ready to step into their shoes on screen as it is only the role that matters to him. He will soon be turning 60  but age does not seem to be the deciding factor for his work in the industry.

Anil, who has played a father to actors such as Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra on the big screen recently said, “I am looking forward to Fanney Khan. We launched it on Eid. It has a fantastic script. It’s a musical. I am really thrilled to be part of it as this is the first time that I am playing a character whose name is Khan. He is a father too.”



The Slumdog Millionaire star also opened up about his role in the Indian adaptation of the popular American TV show 24. “I am playing a father in 24 as well. I have a grown-up son and daughter in the show. In its second season, you will see a major conflict between me and my son. The scenes have come out really well. In fact, I don’t mind playing a grandfather as long as my role is great,” shared the actor.

The second season of 24 is certainly getting all the buzz, especially for the kissing scene between Anil and his co-star Surveen Chawla. Asked if he was nervous while filming it, Anil quipped, “You are playing a character. It’s just a job. I don’t get nervous. I think we were convinced about it and the channel gave us the freedom to do it so we did.”



Speaking about the show’s soaring success in India, Anil stated, “We have kept the aesthetics of 24. The endeavour is to show that we are no less than international film-makers and production companies. For that, we had to work extra hard. The budgets are much lesser than international shows but we have tried to give good results,” said the Welcome actor. Talking further, he was skeptical about the show getting a film adaptation. “The creators of the American 24 have been trying to make the show into a film for so long. But they have not been able to crack it because the basic concept is 24 hours,” said Anil, who also featured in the US action-drama show previously.

Anil also shared excitement about hitting 60 in December this year. “I am looking forward to it. For me, every day is a birthday, New Year and Diwali. I love to celebrate life as I feel blessed that I am alive and breathing in this beautiful world,” he added. On the film front, he will be seen sharing the screen space with his nephew Arjun Kapoor in film-maker Anees Bazmee’s next. “I won’t tell you the story, but it’s exciting. We will try to entertain the audience. It’s close to my heart as I am working with a family member,” concluded Anil.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2016.

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