Veteran producer Boney Kapoor recently reminisced about his younger brother Anil Kapoor’s early days in the film industry, sharing inspiring anecdotes that reflect the actor’s unwavering dedication to his craft. Speaking to ABP, Boney highlighted Anil’s struggles and quirky efforts to carve a niche for himself in Bollywood.
Boney revealed an unusual incident from Anil’s early career, after shooting for his debut film, a young Anil refrained from bathing for two to three days. “Anil always wanted to be an actor. When he was in school, he played the child version of Shashi Kapoor. He was so passionate that he didn’t bathe for days because he didn’t want the makeup to come off. He wanted everyone to know he had become an actor,” Boney shared.
Overcoming Struggles with Grit
Anil Kapoor’s journey to stardom was anything but smooth. Boney recounted the actor’s smaller roles in films such as Ek Baar Kaho, where he played a sidekick, and his work in regional cinema, including Telugu and Kannada films. “He even starred in Mani Ratnam’s first film and went to great lengths to adapt for roles. For a Ramesh Sippy project, Anil shaved his chest hair to convincingly portray a 16-year-old,” Boney recalled.
The physical transformation was another testament to Anil’s commitment. “He would do pull-ups regularly to increase his height,” said the producer, underlining his brother’s relentless drive to fit the mould of a leading man.
A Celebrated Career
Anil Kapoor, who debuted in films in the late 1970s, has now completed nearly 45 years in the entertainment industry. Over the decades, he has delivered iconic performances in films like Mr. India, Tezaab, Slumdog Millionaire, and Dil Dhadakne Do.
In 2024, Kapoor starred in two films, Fighter and Savi, both of which received praise. He is now set to return to screens with Amazon Prime Video’s Subedaar, where he stars as the titular character alongside Radhika Madan, who plays his daughter.