I am a beggar for good roles, says Anil Kapoor

If there’s one actor who has the knack of reinventing himself, it’s Anil Kapoor. While every Bolly star worth his name is embracing TV to make big bucks by hosting shows, Anil decided to make his debut on TV with a fiction show 24, which he is also producing. An adaptation of the hit international show by the same name, the desi version is touted as the game-changer even if it did not appeal as much to the masses. Anil terms it as a niche show and is rearing to get back with the second season. What’s more, the actor’s last two releases Dil Dhadakne Do and Welcome Back had him in completely diverse roles and he shone in both. His suave, stylish outing as father to Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh stole the show in DDD, while his terrific comic timing in WB grabbed attention. Here the actor talks about his TV show and the possibility of a film with beti Sonam.

You’ve been saying that you want to make the second season of 24 bigger and better...
Yes, it’s not just a question of bigger and better. What we are trying to do is take feedback about the first season from people and the critics to incorporate it in the second one.

But it will remain a niche show, right?
Yes. Basically, it’s like what happened in films. I remember when Mr India happened, it was considered niche, especially since it released along with Nagina. People said Nagina would be more successful than Mr India. For that matter, even Parinda and Dil Chahta Hai were considered niche. But aaj hamari pehchan un filmon se hai. Earlier directors, who had a different vision and spoke English were forced to change their thinking and make the same kind of films that were being churned out and now, it’s the other way round. If directors are not willing to broaden their horizons (Hindi aati hai, English nahi) then, it won’t do. That will happen on TV, too. 24 is the just the beginning, but it is also a game-changer. I am not saying it is original (it’s obviously an adaptation and the credit goes to the creators), but the way we are making it, the production scale — that should be of international standard. In fact, I met the makers of the original show recently and they said they loved the way we had made it. The sad thing here is that most people, especially from the film fraternity look at TV to earn money than doing some good work. For me, it’s the other way round. I do films for money and TV to do something I am passionate about. We are trying to raise the bar. Yes, it is a multiplex show, but today a multiplex has more respect than a single theatre!

Is it true that Akshaye Khanna and Tabu will be part of the show?
I don’t want to talk about the cast right now because everything should be confirmed and contracts have to be signed. We have several choices for every role. Every actor has to understand the intent of the show. He/she should have passion and commitment for the show and not do it as a favour. Outsiders with a different intent and thinking will not be considered.

You have several actors in your family. Haven’t you considered casting your brother Sanjay for any role?
I did, but no role suits him. It is not about casting your brother, uncle or aunty, the role should be good. Jabardasti, you can’t cast anyone. Sometimes the role may be good, but he/she should suit the character.

You are also adapting Modern Family. Will you be playing the main role?
Right now, we are working on the script. When you adapt you have to crack the right way to do it keeping the purity and soul of the show intact. Getting the right people to play the characters is pivotal. Sonam has already rejected it, but I am ready to play any role. I am a beggar for good roles. I have no qualms approaching a filmmaker for a role, if it is powerful.

You played a father for the first time to Gen Next actors in Dil Dhadakne Do...
(Cuts in) They (Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh) played my children. Instead of asking me the clichéd question of playing a father, I would rather you ask me what kind of research I did to play the character of Kamal Mehra. I have played a father and grandfather in Eeshwar. In 24, I play a father to a grown-up child. If the role is good, I will even play the grandfather. All international stars like Brad Pitt are doing such roles. I am not deluded — I have to play my age, so why not?

So, any film with Sonam in the pipeline?
Sonam ke saath, it depends. Some people are already scripting something, there’s a possibility. The only thing is we both have to be excited about the roles. If mine is good and not hers, she won’t do it and vice versa.

Is the hero of Battle For Bittora finalised?
Not yet.

There were reports of Fawad Khan being finalised and later he opting out.
They were all rumours. I don’t like these speculations because the project gets spoiled. We are still working on the film. Everything has to fall into the right place. Some people take the opportunity to announce it either for money or just for the heck of it and some people try to build their brand by talking about being approached and turning it down.

You have grown a beard for your character in the show. Will you be doing films simultaneously or after the show is over?
I am completely focussed on my show, so films will happen only after this. Also, though I have sported a beard in some of my films, this is the first time I have grown a real beard. It represents what the character is going through in his life. I haven’s signed any film as yet, but I am in talks for a couple of them.