Anil Kapoor: I am tired of saying 'JHAKAAS'

Actor-producer Anil Kapoor is gearing up for his television debut in 24, the Indian adaptation of the hit international TV series of the same name.

The show will go on air from October 4, every Friday and Saturday at 10 pm on Colors. 

Kapoor was present with the 24 team that includes such famous names as Shabana Azmi and Anupam Kher, and also Tisca Chopra and Mandira Bedi, at the show's announcement on Thursday

Anil Kapoor, who plays Anti-Terrorist Unit chief Jai Singh Rathore, admitted to some butterflies.    

“I am nervous about announcing the show’s date. It is a great moment in my life. There is excitement... I am grateful to all the actors, technicians and others. They all have given their sweat and blood.

“I have had a lot of peaks in my career. But there are certain moments that you want to soak in, and this is that moment. I feel this is the greatest moment of my life.”

He joked about the tapori kind of roles he has done in the past: “I am tired of saying “jhakaas” and singing Ayeji oyeji. I feel as if I have done nothing beyond all this.

“I love all my characters so far but right now Jai Singh Rathore is topmost on my mind." 

Asked if his daughter actress Sonam Kapoor will act in the series, he replied, “Sonam might do the next season, but only if she fits the character. I will request Sonam to be a part of the next season if this one goes well. She will do it only if she wants to."

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Shabana Azmi is the ATS chief when Jai Singh goes missing.

“The first question that most people ask me is how was I convinced to play a cameo in the series? The answer is not too complicated. The answer is -- Anil Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Anil Kapoor.

“We have had a long association and Anil has always been associated with excellence and quality.

“It was remarkable and fascinating to see his enthusiasm, which is the same as what I saw about 30 years ago. We worked together in a film called Ek Baar Kaho. He was the same person, same sincerity showing even now.”

Mandira Bedi is a government agent named Nikita Rai, based on the character of Nina Myres in the American original.

“This is the only show where I haven't even smiled once. Though my character is inspired by Nina Myers, I have presented it as per my interpretation," said Mandira, who rarely stopped smiling on the cricket shows she used to appear in.

Tisca Chopra plays Jai Singh Rathod's wife.    

“24 makes you feel that television has come a long way. This series is like doing 24 films together. Every 45-minute episode is going to be like a film. It is intense when you are trying to bring together the quality of film and the eye for detail of television,” said Tisca.

 “It was a blast to do action. It gives a kick, an adrenaline rush when you do these things. Even though I am not a cop or an agent, I had super fun doing things which I’ve never done before.

“Luckily I didn’t have to train for it because I am expected to hold a gun like an amateur!”

Anupam Kherplays a small role as an officer of the Research and Analysis wing.

“With 24 we are giving a little jolt and also making the TV audience look at the content in a different manner,” he said. 

“I am part of only two episodes. The best thing about Anil is, he doesn’t mind taking risks. You have to do that to be different from others.”

He related this to his own life. “I have survived 30 years in the industry because I was 28 and had the courage to play the role of a 65-year-old man in Saaransh.”

And some sage advice from the veteran actor: “It’s very important in real life also to be courageous. You make it in life because of your attitude, not the talent; talent comes second.”  

He has a lot of action scenes in the series and had to get fit however much he disliked it.

“I joined Anil Kapoor’s gym because I had to do the action scenes. I have never done exercise in my life. Two things in life I find boring. One is eating alone and the other is exercising.”  

But, he says, “Anil inspired me to do exercise, which is interesting.  I do it to meet him, chat and gossip. And I am certainly feeling much healthier. It does make a difference.”