Riding high on the critical and commercial success of Slumdog Millionaire (SM), Anil Kapoor is looking forward to an eventful and creatively satisfying year. The ’jhakaas’ actor has been showered with praises for his unique portrayal of the host of a game show in SM, a role enacted to perfection (on television) by the likes of megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Bollywood’s global super star, Shah Rukh Khan (in their own styles), in the highly popular TV game show, ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’. But Anil not only walked away with a lot of critical acclaim but also provided the star value to Slumdog Millionaire, thus enhancing its box office potential to an extent.

Well, what comes as a surprise is the fact that Anil Kapoor’s character in the film is not inspired by Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan. In fact, it was modelled more on the British host of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’, Chris Tarrant. Anil watched the tapes and read the literature on hosting the show that the producers sent him, but the difficult part was that he had to appear to be a seasoned host, chairing his 1,000th show! And for that he contacted the producer of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, Siddharth Basu, who was gracious enough to help Anil put up a mock set in his office, where he would go to rehearse everyday.

So, it was sheer hard work that resulted in a stellar performance by the seasoned actor, whose longevity and dedication to his craft has made him the subject of admiration amongst all his colleagues and fans!

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It’s near impossible to think of a more talented character in Bollywood than Anil Kapoor. He’s excelled in so many characters since his Woh Saat Din days it’s almost unbelievable. Once considered to be the Casanova of Indian cinema, he still is growing stronger day by day and year by year, and for anyone fearing that life after 40 is a slow and mortifying descent towards death, the story of Anil Kapoor must be a real heart-warmer. Anil’s career has been long, remarkably varied, and marked by a loyalty to the Indian Film Industry that made him what he is today – the Yuvvraaj. In this exclusive, the actor gets candid and canny with London correspondent Devansh Patel about his upcoming film Yuvvraaj, his co-star Salman Khan, Bollywood’s lucky mascot Katrina Kaif and the director whom he says has given him the best and the most number of hits in his career, Subhash Ghai.

The promos of Yuvvraaj remind me of your Eeshwar days. How different is your character you play in Yuvvraaj then?For me to say that both my Eeswar role and Yuvvraaj role is the same is not true. Both are different. If I humorously quote then here he is rich and lives in Europe (laughs). He loves music and is a special child of the Yuvvraaj family even though he is the eldest of the three brothers. The only similarity is that both are innocent and autistic.
It’s evident that you are Subhash Ghai’s favourite after having done 7 films with him so far.Well, if you say so, but you’ll have to ask him why he considers me in many of his films. Subhash Ghai is such a filmmaker that he considers his films as life and death. He works like that and you’ll only come to know that once you work with him or know him personally. He gives his best to his films. He is an all-rounder and does not collaborate. He does everything on his own and hats off to him. Today’s filmmaking has changed a lot. You get the best people on board and make a film. Subhash doesn’t believe in that. He is glued on to every department of filmmaking, be it the script, the editing, etc. No wonder he always comes out with flying colours. He is the real Yuvvraaj.
From a fun filled comic role in No Entry with Salman, you’re now doing a seriously serious role in Yuvvraaj with him. How was the experience?Working with Salman is always a pleasure. You seem to be in a happy and a joyous mood when you’re working with him. You’re undoubtedly having a ball while acting. He is a kind of an actor who looks disinterested when off the sets. But when the camera rolls, he is right there, focused and comes out with a stunning performance. You tend to look at the monitor and think he is so young, good looking and awesome.
So who looks young on screen, Anil or Salman?(laughs) Good question. You see, me and Salman discuss the same question when we are together. Jabhi aapko koi apni umar puche, toh use bees saal zyaada bataon. We both have now decided that when anybody asks us our age, we will say that we are 55 to 60 year olds.
Eros International marketed and distributed your baby Gandhi My Father, are you happy that Yuvvraaj is too in their hands?I definitely agree that in today’s time, marketing and distribution has become as important as the filmmaking itself. But you’ll have to wait and watch how Yuvvraaj is marketed. Eros and Kishore Lulla are one of the top most distributors for Bollywood films. They are the best and I’m sure they will give it their best shot when it comes to distribution. So far, it’s been a success and in days to come, it will only double up. So let’s wait and watch how Yuvvraaj’s fate is decided by marketing.
How was it to be working with the young talent like Zayed Khan for the first time?He is a great looking guy and a lovely human being. I am very fond of their family and get along very well with his sister and mother. They are wonderful people. Zayed’s family has been with me since my early days in the industry. Their entire response towards me has been consistent till date and Zayed’s warmth, attitude and loving nature comes from this upbringing of his. Zayed has acted very well in the film and I think it’s his best role ever.
How do you rate the music of the film?Do we need to mention it when it’s A.R.Rahman’s music? All the songs are simply superb. Giving an unusual music is a tough job but Rahman knows it best. My favourite song in Yuvvraaj is ‘Dost’. It’s got a beautiful melody and is very beautifully shot. It is difficult to judge which is Rahman’s best, Taal or Yuvvraaj. I think both stand out given the subject of the film.
Katrina is being termed the lucky mascot for Yuvvraaj. It’s welcoming, isn’t it?(laughs) Yes, you got it right. She has been lucky ever since she has moved in Bollywood and its only doing good for our industry and for her personally. Our last film together, Welcome, grossed the best ever collections for a comic caper. It had Katrina too. So we hope Yuvvraaj to be a blockbuster too. Actually, all of us are banking on Katrina’s luck for this film.
All the roles you’ve played recently have been very different, right from Tashan to Welcome and now Yuvvraaj and next year comes Slumdog Millionaire. Critics are loving you more day by day.Thanks to them but even though Tashan failed at the box office, my role was well received by one and all. Even Welcome was a welcome change. Acting is a commercial business and you have to keep that in mind. I may have done several similar roles but my directors were different. It’s art and commerce. These decisions are taken instinctively sometimes. There are no set rules to what I do and what I don’t do. If my roles were different and people and the critics have loved it, it’s good for them. For me, it’s my job and there is no escape. My whole approach is very unpredictable. I will choose my role in a split second.
I hear that you’re also going to be seen singing in the film?The most difficult part in the film is the singing I’ve done. All of it is classical. It was one of the most stressful yet one of the most memorable moments of my life. You have to see the film to know further.
Did you do a bit of research for your role or was it script bound?I went through a book titled ‘A Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat’. It’s a book about these kinds of characters, autistic and special children. This book was really helpful when it came to my acting in Yuvvraaj. That book gave my character the strength.
Is Lakhan missing his Ram?Always. I always miss him. In fact, I miss my Sita too, Madhuri (laughs). Jackie is a brother to me. We have given Indian Film Industry some of its finest films and all directed by Subhash Ghai.
Any message for your fans?I am awaiting their feedback this year for Yuvvraaj and do watch Slumdog Millionaire next year. It’s a hell of a good film. Ditto with Yuvvraaj. It’s my best ever role in a Subhash Ghai film.

With entertainment dominated by fresh-faced actors now-a-days, it’s extremely heartening to see someone break into the corridors of power when in their late forties. Better still when that person’s an accomplished actor making a comeback in Bollywood. But what if I say that he is just about to make his Hollywood debut in what is said to be a film which undoubtedly is going to win accolades at the Academy Awards and the Bafta’s next year? The film – Slumdog Millionaire, the director – Danny Boyle, step forward Anil Kapoor, a renaissance man who’s squeezed several (mostly successful) lives into one and come out on top of the Bollywood tree.

In this world exclusive interview from London, the ‘jhakaas’ actor talks in depth to Devansh Patel about his first Hollywood film Slumdog Millionaire, his London Film Festival experience, his expectations, his family reactions, his special message to his fans and above all, praises, praises and more praises for his award winning director Danny Boyle.
We are all eager to know how did an acclaimed Hollywood director like Danny Boyle sign you up for a role in his next film Slumdog Millionaire?I received a sms saying that Danny Boyle wanted to meet me regarding his next film Slumdog Millionaire in which he had a role for me after he watched Taal and Virasat. Now as you are aware that in Bollywood one is so busy with their commitments that they tend to forget who Danny Boyle is. But when you talk of films like Trainspotting and The Beach, suddenly the name of the director pops up. So I mentioned this to my son as he is a big Danny Boyle fan, in fact all youngsters are. He loves his kind of cinema which is out of the box, pulsating and youthful. He got very excited and told me to reply back to the sms which was lying in my inbox since quite a few days. So I called my friend Deepak Nayar in L.A who coincidently was handling the production of the same film. He informed me that Danny Boyle is a cult figure in the U.S. Then the script came and my son and I read it. We loved it, fixed an appointment and there I was, without any auditions, a part of Slumdog Millionaire.
Were you at all worried about the screen space Danny would’ve given you in the film initially when he offered you the film?When you’re working with the likes of Danny Boyle and when the script is written by Simon Beaufoy, there is bound to be a good role for you irrespective of the length of your own role. When you work in an international film like Slumdog Millionaire, even two scenes done correctly in the film work wonders. And you’re forgetting that I had already read the script. It’s only in India that you worry about screen space and the length.
Danny Boyle has projected Mumbai in Slumdog Millionaire like no other film maker has ever done. What do you think?I am more than happy about it. In fact, Slumdog Millionaire is a fairy tale kind of a film. You have to see the film to believe it. I mean he has shot some scenes in the slums so beautifully, you feel touched by the direction and the camera work. It was so perfect.
People across the globe who’ve watched Trainspotting, A Life Less Ordinary and The Beach wouldn’t expect a Slumdog Millionaire, will they?When you work in an international film like Slumdog Millionaire, even two scenes done correctly in the film work wonders.Danny has got his own style. When the chief of Fox Searchlights, Peter Rice, was introducing Danny Boyle in a tribute to the director in L.A, that’s the time I realized the kind of respect he has across the globe. Peter Rice quoted, “Danny has never made the same kind of film ever”. When Danny was offered to direct Alien 4, he was offered a big cheque which he refused. He just wanted to direct films which he would believe in and wanted to make. He chose to direct a 15 million dollar film than a 150 million dollar one. He is a risk taker in a way. I mean, the only well known face in Slumdog Millionaire is Irrfan Khan who is known worldwide. All the rest are new comers including me.
You play the host of the famous tele series ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’. From Big B to SRK and now comes Anil Kapoor. Any kind of research went into playing the role of Prem?A lot of literature was sent to me through the script anyway. But first I spoke to Danny and the way he saw the character and how he wanted him to behave. Then he gave me some material on ‘Who Wants To Be a Millionaire’. In Mumbai, I contacted Siddharth Basu, the person who was responsible for the programme in India. He was very helpful in the research too. Playing an engineer, stock broker, doctor or a businessman is easy because you meet them in your everyday life. But there are very few hosts of the television programme whom you don’t meet regularly. You see them only on the television. So there was not a direct reference point here except for the episodes of Mr Bachchan and Shah Rukh in India and the shows done by hosts in the U.K and the U.S. I went through all these tapes and started doing some episodes with Siddharth and his team. I also had a lot of workshop with Danny and the main protagonist of the film Dev Patel.
But how was it to be working with the British talent Dev Patel who plays the boy from the slums winning the million rupees?He is the main hero of the film. He is the protagonist of Slumdog Millionaire. His journey has three characters that do the same role. How as a child in slums he grows up, then becomes a bit older and then it is Dev Patel. There are three actors and the casting of those three Dev Patel’s is phenomenal. I was speechless after watching the film at the London Film Festival and thanks to Loveleen Tandon who has done an amazing job of casting in the film.
Was Dev at all nervous when he met you for the first time?Not at all. He was a thorough professional. He originally comes from Gujarat but is born and brought up in London. He has also done one T.V serial called Skins in the U.K. For me, it was my first English film and for him, it was his first feature film. So we both were a bit nervous initially even though I had come with a lot of experience behind me. We got along very well and Danny also told me to help Dev out in whatever and whichever way I could. He had to play a slum boy and because I’ve had a personal experiences in the slums and have done films like Mashaal, etc I could identify with his role. I was very handy in adding flavour to my and Dev’s role.
The critics in the U.K are vouching Slumdog Millionaire to get selected as the Best Film nominee at the Academy Awards in the U.S and at the Bafta Awards in the U.K. What do you have to say?It’s a bit too early to discuss this right now. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that whatever you’ve just mentioned comes true.
Any other Hollywood films you’re going to be a part of in the near future considering the thunderous applaud you received after the screening?I am at such a stage of my career that whichever film comes across me has to be exciting, on par or better than the one I’ve done earlier. Currently I’ve got my hands full in India as far as Bollywood is concerned and if someone does come knocking on my doors from the West, why not?
What differentiates Danny Boyle from all the Bollywood directors you’ve worked with so far in your career?Danny is not only different from the Indian directors but international directors also. He has his own stand and style and when people do have this speciality in them like what Danny has, they always are different from others. As I’ve mentioned before, he is one director who hasn’t repeated his style. Danny improvises a lot and never tells his actors how to act. He gives you the script and lets you be. His instructions are minimal and the most important thing – Danny didn’t come to India with any attitude. Instead, he told us to help him make a good film. That made a world of difference. It’s a hallmark of a great human being and a great director. There isn’t a game show being used as the main part of any feature film script. That’s the USP of Slumdog Millionaire.
Has your family seen the film and what did they think about it?Yes they all have seen the film. My wife, Sonam and my son, all loved the film. They’ve said it’s awesome. The kind of feedback I’ve received is incredible. The best comment I received was from a critic who writes for The Independent, UK. He said, “Anil Kapoor makes a memorably narcissistic and two faced quiz host smiling disingenuously while trying to ensure the contestant looses”. Even the newspapers like the Observer, Telegraph and The Times have praised not only my performance, but all the other actors in the film who were truly worth admiring especially Dev Patel.
Any message for your fans who are awaiting your first ever Hollywood film?Yes, I’d like to tell my fans in the U.K that the film releases on January 9 next year in the U.K and to my India fans, well, you’ll have to wait just a little bit more. Slumdog Millionaire releases in India in the last week of January. That’s our tentative date. We are also planning to keep a special premiere of the film. And more importantly to all my fans across the globe, Slumdog Millionaire isn’t a cross over film in English. It is a Hollywood film directed by Danny Boyle. Looking forward for all your comments next year.

After the success of “Taare Zameen Par”, now Anil Kapoor will be seen as an autistic in his forthcoming movie “Yuvvraaj”.
“Anil plays elder brother to Salman and Zayed Khan. Subhash Ghai had been meaning to incorporate a physically-psychologically challenged character into his script for a long time. It was Anil who told Subhashji the story idea for ‘Yuvvraaj’,” a source told IANS.
If sources are to be believed Anil’s reference point in “Yuvvraaj” is Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump”.

This isn’t the first time that Anil is playing an autistic role. In K. Vishwanath’s “Eeshwar” too he was cast as a slow, saintly man who wins over a village widow. Anil has self-admittedly copied Raj Kapoor in “Eeshwar”.
Shah Rukh Khan too plays an isolated Muslim suffering from an autistic disorder in Karan Johar’s “My Name Is Khan”.