Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Exclusive: “I’m very involved in every project that I do,” says Malang actor Anil Kapoor

There is something timeless about seasoned Bollywood star Anil Kapoor. While several actors who started out their careers in early ‘80s have hung up their boots long ago, Kapoor continues to work with the same vim and vigour even after spending more than four decades in showbiz. The star of such iconic films as Mr. India (1987), Tezaab (1988) and Parinda (1989), never forgets to thank the Almighty for keeping him occupied with work for such an incredibly long stretch of time.

Last seen in Pagalpanti (2019), Anil Kapoor is presently busy promoting his upcoming film Malang, co-starring Aditya Roy Kapur, Disha Patani and Kunal Khemu. Ahead of the release of the romantic action thriller, Eastern Eye caught up with the seasoned actor at Luv Films’ office in Mumbai and talked to him about what led him to sign Malang, his working experience with new-age actors, the failure of Pagalpanti, and much more.


You have played a diverse range of characters in your storied career which spans across four decades. What new are you going to bring to the table in Malang?

This is a dark role, a very, very dark role. There is a lot of anger in my character. He is angry with people in his department, he is angry with the whole system. He is angry with himself, also, to some extent. Earlier, he used to be a different kind of person, but now he has completely changed and become somebody else. Goa has gone through some drastic changes from when he started to till now. He is angry with that change too. He is not happy with his department. So, all these aspects are there, which are very dark. He has reached a state where drinking and smoking do not give him that high anymore. He wants to forget himself, so he tries to get solace in intoxication.

How did you prepare for the role?

Before I started shooting for the film, I did my bit of research just to understand as to why do certain people do such things (substance abuse). I talked to a couple of people and watched some films as well.

I have not played such a dark character ever before in any of my films. This is a commercial film, but I have tried to portray my character in a way that it looks believable. It’s true that I have played a cop many a times before, but this type of cop I am playing for the very first time in my career.

Why did you take up this character?

Because I thought I wouldn’t be able to pull it off. But when people around me say that I can do a certain role, I start thinking that how can I do it? When I get that feeling that I can do it, I like to do that character. Then I get into the skin of that character slowly and slowly.

Having said that, while preparing for Anjaney Agashe in Malang, I was constantly thinking that how would I be able to play such a dark, crazy character. Would people love me in that character? I wanted that when the audience watches it on screen, it should look real. It should emerge as an entertaining character that people love it. They should not cringe while watching him. What happens, at times, is that people do not like certain dark characters because actors overdo it. I wanted to stay away from that. Writing plays an important role here. Aseem Arora has written a wonderful script. Besides that, Mohit Suri has made these kinds of films, like Ek Villain (2014), etc. He presents these characters pretty well. The fact that I had a strong team around me boosted my confidence. People working on this project were young, so I thought it would bring freshness to the film as well. These things helped me and boosted my confidence, so I decided let’s do the film.

Historical films are doing wonders at the box-office. You are also set to feature in a one called Takht.

Yes, I am doing Takht. It is a historical film. I am looking forward to it. Since Karan Johar is making it, it will be mounted on a huge scale. It is a big film.

What, according to you, went wrong with your last release Pagalpanti? You seemed very involved in that project as it reunites you with director Anees Bazmee.

I am very involved in every project that I do. I love working with Anees Bazmee, and I thoroughly loved working with him on Pagalpanti also. I am waiting for him to come to me with yet another script. I really enjoy working with him.

People loved my character in that film, and critics also praised my performance. I read a couple of reviews. What else an artist wants? Appreciation, right? At times it happens so that certain films do not release at the right time. Just before Pagalpanti, a couple of films in the same space had already arrived. So, there was some kind of fatigue, you know. Then destiny also plays a vital role.

After working in Bollywood for over four decades, how do you define success and failure?

It all depends on your journey. If your journey was good and you were happy with it, it is success. And if your films did not do well and you did not enjoy your journey, then it is of no use. I enjoyed working all these years. I have had a wonderful journey. Whatever I did, I did wholeheartedly, to the best of my abilities. The audience did not like some films of mine, and we cannot do anything about that. You have to accept it and move on to the next (project). I have been doing this for forty years now (smiles).

What do you see in a project when someone approaches you to be a part of it?

I think the director, the producer, the star cast and the studio backing it. I have to be confident of the fact that whether or not the studio has resources to make a good film, complete it and then release it properly. Then comes my remuneration. So, these are the things I always keep in mind.

Do you ever look back at your journey and analyse your work and think that maybe you could have done certain roles differently?

No, I never get the time. I finish one film and move on to the next. By the grace of God, I always have work in my hand. Instead I look forward and feel that when will I get to play that new character.

How has Bollywood evolved over the years, according to you?

People are working very hard today and good films are being made. Films are doing good business also. People are making different kinds of movies. I feel there should be more theatres though. There are new platforms available. People are doing such good work on digital platforms. Digital films are being made. So, these are the new changes. I do not miss anything from the past. I am enjoying working today.

As an actor, you have contributed immensely to the industry. Do you want to contribute as a director also?

No, I never feel like (directing). I am happy being an actor. I am happy with acting and production. This is enough for me.

Your film Ram Lakhan (1981) completes 31 years today. Would you like to share some memories from the sets of the film?

Not just Ram Lakhan, I enjoyed working with Subhash Ghai saab on each and every film that we did together. I loved working with him on Karma (1986), Ram Lakhan, Meri Jung (1985) and Taal (1999). I still love the songs of Ram Lakhan. Jackie (Shroff) and I had a lot of fun doing that film. We had great fun. There are some things which I cannot share with you (laughs). Biwi ghar se nikal degi (My wife will throw me out of the house).

Malang has a lot of young actors. How is it different working with young actors than your contemporaries?

It is much more fun working with newcomers. When you work with newcomers, you learn new things from them. You adapt to some of their things. I am not saying that I do not enjoy working with the actors from my age bracket, but working with these new actors is something different. These new actors and directors have new energy. Youth power is youth power, you know.

More For You

Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

The new Harry Potter series stars Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

‘Harry Potter’ filming in London sparks anger as locals claim no consent for Privet Drive remake

Highlights:

  • A London street has been turned into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series
  • Locals in Upminster say they were not told filming was for the HBO remake
  • Some residents fear being “bombarded with wizards” while others are thrilled
  • Cast includes Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

A quiet street in east London has been transformed into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series, but locals are unhappy they were not properly informed about the filming. Springfield Gardens in Upminster, chosen to double as the boy wizard’s childhood home, has left neighbours divided, with some welcoming the attention while others worry they will be “bombarded with wizards.” The HBO production, part of a major reboot, has already brought cameras, drones and fans to the area.

Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout The new Harry Potter series stars Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout Instagram/harrypotterhbonotofficial

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif

Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain

Instagram/priyankachopra

Farhan Akhtar says ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ will happen but drops bombshell that Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif may exit

Highlights:

  • Farhan Akhtar says Jee Le Zaraa has been delayed but not shelved
  • Significant work including music and location scouting already completed
  • Director cannot confirm if Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif remain attached
  • Project first announced in 2021 as a female-led road trip film

Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar has clarified that his highly anticipated film Jee Le Zaraa has not been shelved. Speaking about the much-discussed project, Akhtar said the film is simply “on the back burner” due to scheduling conflicts. The clarification comes after years of speculation that the all-female road trip film, originally announced with Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, might have been abandoned.

Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain Instagram/priyankachopra

Keep ReadingShow less
Fifth Harmony comeback 2025
Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years
Getty Images

Fifth Harmony stuns Dallas with comeback at Jonas Brothers gig while Camila Cabello performs solo in Sydney

Highlights:

  • Normani, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui perform together in Dallas
  • Surprise appearance happened during Jonas Brothers’ concert stop in Texas
  • Group’s social media accounts updated with new logo and merchandise
  • Camila Cabello absent as she continues solo tour in Australia

US pop group Fifth Harmony’s reunion has sent fans into a frenzy after the chart-topping girl band returned to the stage for the first time in seven years. Their surprise appearance at a Jonas Brothers concert in Dallas on Sunday, 31 August, also came with new merchandise and updated social media branding, signalling that the quartet may be preparing for a bigger comeback.

Fifth Harmony comeback 2025 Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Heidi Klum

Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival

Instagram/heidiklum

Heidi Klum Venice Film Festival look with daughter Leni reignites criticism over mother-daughter lingerie fashion partnership

Highlights:

  • Heidi Klum and daughter Leni walked the Venice Film Festival red carpet in matching corset-style gowns.
  • The supermodel opted for a blush pink silk design, while Leni wore an inky black version.
  • Both gowns were created by Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi, for which they are ambassadors.
  • The mother-daughter duo previously fronted a controversial campaign for the same brand.

Heidi Klum's Venice Film Festival appearances always generate headlines, but this year she doubled the impact by walking the red carpet with her daughter Leni. The pair stunned in co-ordinated gowns from Italian intimates brand Intimissimi, bringing high fashion and red carpet glamour together in one of the festival’s most talked-about moments. Their matching corset silhouettes highlighted the duo’s modelling credentials and added a striking family twist to the opening night of the prestigious event.

Heidi Klum Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival Instagram/heidiklum

Keep ReadingShow less
Ahaan Panday

Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara

Instagram/ahaanpandayy

Ahaan Panday says Bollywood wronged him and admits he was delusional before 'Saiyaara' broke box office records

Highlights:

  • Ahaan Panday opens up on being ‘wronged’ before his Bollywood debut
  • Actor admits he spent years in ‘blind optimism’ waiting for launch
  • Saiyaara has become the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema history
  • The Mohit Suri directorial collected £53 million (₹563 crore) worldwide

Bollywood newcomer Ahaan Panday has revealed that he felt “wronged” by people in the industry before finally making his long-awaited debut with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. The 27-year-old actor, who comes from the well-known Panday family, said he lived in “blind optimism” for four to five years as projects kept falling through. Despite setbacks, Ahaan maintained that he never became bitter and channelled his struggles into his performance.

Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara Instagram/ahaanpandayy

Keep ReadingShow less