'Bollywood needs to bring changes'

Popularly known as ‘Mr India’, Anil Kapoor is one of the most versatile actors today who has not only proved the mettle of his talent in Bollywood but is a well–recognised name in Hollywood too. Starting his career in 1979 with Hamare Tumhare in a supporting role, the 54-year old actor’s life took a turn when he essayed one of the main roles in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire.

In town recently to inaugurate Sanjay Bhattacharya’s exhibition ‘Existence’ and to release a book of poems ‘Ostitwo’ – a first by the painter. Metrolife got an opportunity to have a candid chat with the star and learn more about his interests and career choices.
“I always had an inclination for poetry. It is beyond words and depicts human emotions. It has a certain kind of music, rhythm and dance which rejuvenates you whenever you read it,” shares Anil when asked about his interest in arts and poetry. So the actor loves to write poetry? “Yes, but occasionally when something really touches my heart.”

But it is his love for acting that Anil feels defines him, for he is not scared of taking risks. Interestingly, it is this attitude that changed his career track when he did Slumdog and later bagged a good part in US series ‘24’ where he plays the role of a fictional president Omar Hassan of the Islamic Republic of Kamistan. “I loved working in 24. I liked the story and the role. It was very emotional when I saw people clapping in my last episode,” shares Anil, who is ready to bring the Hindi version of ‘24’ (with some changes) by next year.

“I am still working on the script of ‘24’ and the shooting is likely to start in January. There are some changes which audience will come to know about when it is aired,” he reveals. In addition to script-writing, Anil has finished shooting for Race 2 and Shootout at Wadala. 

Meanwhile, his international projects include Roger Donaldson directed Cities opposite Clive Owen, where Anil plays a Mumbai cop fighting corruption as also seen in Anand Tucker’s next The Indian Sherlock based on Tarquin Hall’s mystery novel.

What is the one thing the actor loves about Hollywood? “It is exciting to work in Hollywood movies because they have a global appeal.  Movies are made in such a way that can be served to people all across the world,” says Anil, who believes that Bollywood needs to introduce changes to garner more limelight. “We always want to do foolproof things which are tested and tried. This attitude has to change. We have calibre and talent but the movies have to be intense. They should be of shorter length, have subjects and content that can be related to the world.”