EXCLUSIVE - Anil Kapoor on 40 years in Bollywood: I can't even think about any patch that I would like to erase

When the trailer of Mubarakan was released, Anil Kapoor was instantly called a show stealer. His funny antics and killer dialogues left people in splits and people couldn't wait to watch him on the big screen.

We caught up with the evergreen actor, who was excited about the film and shared his experience of the shooting for this family comedy.

Anil also spoke about his 40-year journey in Bollywood, working with nephew Arjun Kapoor, Mr. India 2, Fanney Khan and more.

Read on...

We will be seeing you in an out-and-out comedy film after two years. What attracted you to this film?

To be honest with you, the story came to me when the script was 80-85% ready and I just loved it. That's where I came into the film. Of course, after that Arjun, Anees Saab came and it got better and better every time. Things have to be positive because it is a certain kind of force which helps in things to go fab. So, let's see what people feel about the film.

Could you elaborate about your character in the film?

Kartar Singh is a bachelor. Sardar roles have been played by many leading men in films like Sunny Deol played in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Dharmendra played in Jeevan Mrityu, Akshay Kumar in Singh is King, Ajay Devgn in Son of Sardar and now, of course, Shah Rukh Khan also in his latest film Jab Harry Met Sejal. I am playing a British Asian in the film. As he was British Asian, I was worried, it should not be similar to Sardars that have been portrayed well by all the actors. But then I got excited about it, as their dressing style, the way they tie their turban, the way they speak English, all are different. He stays in the suburbs of London, who is well-to-do and has real estate. He lives in London for the last 30-35 years but still, he doesn't want to forget his Punjab. So, he made a mini Punjab in London along with his home. He has a tractor and all the people working with him are British and are dressed up as Sardar. They speak Punjabi better than me and the only thing I had to teach them was how to abuse (laughs). Once they learn how to abuse like Punjabis then they will become the typical Sardars, that's my ambition in the film. He has got a heart of gold, loves his family and wants to keep the entire family very happy. 

We are three brothers, and one of them, unfortunately, meets with an accident and is left with two kids and he asked me to look after them. Me, being a bachelor won't be able to look after them. So, one kid, I sent to my brother in Chandigarh and my elder sister, who is my neighbour in London. Then all the confusion takes place. fun which happens when both the brothers fall in love with respective girls. How Punjabis are respectful towards their elders and they both are scared to tell their parents, that's how Kartar makes the situation worse. 

How will you define Arjun as an actor?

I think he is intelligent, sharp and in very short span of time, he has picked up a lot of things very fast and I can see a great future.

Athiya and Ileana recently said that you are their favourite? How was it working with these actresses?

They were a treat, both of them are wonderful and we got along very well. This whole journey of Mubarakan has been awesome and now I am feeling sad that it's about to end and we will be getting separated. They come across as very well actors. The film has an ensemble cast and all have contributed well to it. 

Do you feel any pressure towards the release of the film?

In a way, I am an overlap, I am promoting this film and prepping for Fanney Khan. I have seen Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan; we move on. Before the pressure hits you, you are already on your next project. We don't have time to take the pressure because you are already worried for your next film ki iska kya hoga. 

You will be playing the role of a singer in Fanney Khan, could you give us a gist about your role in the film?

Let me start shooting for the film. A lot of workshops are happening and look tests also taking place. The work is in progress, so when I am ready with it, we will talk about it. Music has also been recorded for the same. Hopefully, I think I will sing in this film. I used to learn singing, I have taken several singing classes before but have totally lost the touch. So, I have to get back again and sing my own songs. 

Boney Kapoor confirmed that Mr. India 2 is finally happening. Are there any more updates on it?

Yes, I am looking forward to it. There are many exciting projects in the pipeline for the whole family. So much goes behind filmmaking. There's script, screenplay, everything has to be wired. The casting and all takes time.

I would love to have Shekhar Kapur, there's nobody else better than him. But there's always an availability. 

You have completed 40 years in the film industry. So, how was your whole journey?

It has been wonderful. It's a dream and I can't believe it. I can't even think about any patch that I would like to erase or call it as a bad patch. I didn't realise that the time has passed so fast. Something good has happened every decade. The third is coming to an end and the fourth will start in 2018. So looking forwards for this 40-50 years in show business.