EXCLUSIVE: 'I am excited to work with Sonam, it will 100% happen very soon' - Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor is a happy man. His last few films have done well and his performances in the movies haa been winning applause from the audiences and critics alike. On the success of his latest comic caper 'Welcome Back' that opened to great numbers, we managed to have a quick chat with the suave actor. Excerpts from the conversation:

Welcome Back has opened to great numbers at the box office. Were you expecting this response?

To be honest, no. I expected it to do well, but these numbers have taken me by surprise. This means that the film has been appreciated. It is opening cum appreciation. 

Do you think the film rested on your and Nana Patekar's shoulder?

I feel a film is always a team work and everybody contributes and I feel very strongly about it. There are times when a character comes out stronger but it is completely a team work. Welcome Back wouldn't have been what it is without the presence of Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Paresh Rawal, John Abraham, Shruti Haasan.

'Dil Dhadakne Do' and now 'Welcome Back'. Your performances have been the highlight of the film. Does that make you feel good?

I have always done different kind of films and that being accepted. This time back to back two films have released. Last few jobs of mine have been both critically and commercially acclaimed. So that way you can say that I am happy. It started with 'Race' which did well, followed by 'Shootout at Wadala', '24' was a gmae changer and now DDD and 'Welcome Back'. In today's times one good opportunity sustains your for few years, so here 5-6 continuously have done well. It brings in positivity. Also, youngsters and kids have seen it and they have liked it. Kids who haven't seen my films which I did before, are now liking my work.So that way I am in a good phase.

Comedy seems to be looked down upon by the critics. While they haven't given the film a thumbs up, audience has loved it. Your comments?

It depends. Sometimes what happens is that there are certain films in a way, for instance for 'Welcome' the views weren't same across but the movie fared well and ultimately became cult.film where comedy is considered. Cult is something which has long legs and people watch it later as well. Hopefully, even this one should become like that. Of course, aesthetically and technically it should have been better. I accept that and hopefully in Welcome 3 critics are taken even more seriously in all departments. We will work harder next time.

You are teaming up with Anees Bazmi yet again for 'Aankhen 2' and 'No Entry Main Entry'. What is the status of the two films?

He comes to me with the script in the end. He takes me for granted because I have worked with him so much. I have told him that first he should get all the other actors on board and then come to me. I have a certain kind of relation with him. I had done Welcome without listening to the script. We respect each other and it is not just a director-actor relationship. Hopefully, I am waiting for him to narrate both scripts to me. Everytime he comes to me with the scripts, I say no to him and then I do the film. When I say no, he works hard and improves the script. Even for this one, I initially said no and flew to Bikaner. Anees didn't sleep for the whole night. Next day he flew to Jaipur and drove down for 7 hours to Bikaner and convinced me to do the movie. And I am thankful to him.

Second season of 24 is coming up.... (interrupts)

Yes I am very excited and at the moment I am completely immersed in 24 and that is the reason I have grown this beard currently. I hopefuly start by Ocotber 15 or else latest by November 1, 2015.

Harshvardhan's debut film releases next year. Have you seen the rushes of the movie?

I am not going to say anything. Fingers crossed. (Smiles)

When do we see you share screen space with your daughter Sonam Kapoor?

That is going to happen 100 % very soon. There are certain scripts which have come to us. I am very excited about it and very soon you are going to here a very big announcement!