Anil Kapoor is one of the most talented and versatile actors the Indian film fraternity has ever seen. While many Bollywood actors look up to him, the ‘Mubarakan’ star recently revealed that he has always looked up to Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah and Kamal Haasan, who are great actors.
He further revealed a precious piece of advice that Big B had given to him many years ago. "Amit ji took a five-year break after doing 'Khuda Gawaah'. He had gone to New York to live a normal life. I had gone there while shooting for 'Meherbaan'. I met and told him, I was tired after working for 25 years in films, and wanted a break. He told me, ‘Never commit such a mistake in life. Never take a break (from films).' And that’s when in no time I locked two films.”
Talking about a special memory that he cherishes, the actor revealed, “All actors or directors across the world nurse a dream to receive an Oscar. I had a small role in the film. This feeling of joy shall remain in my heart till the end.” He added, “Receiving the National Award for 'Pukaar' was also a great moment for me. The film was quite underrated and it did not fare well because at that time Hrithik Roshan's film 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai' had become a big hit. When I got the National Award, I felt redeemed and I realised that the fruits of labour are indeed sweet."
However, the proud father said that his daughter Sonam Kapoor winning the National Award for ‘Neerja’ brought him greater joy than winning the Oscar. “For me, that moment gave me greater joy than the Oscar moment. When I saw my daughter walking up the stage and receiving the award from (then) President Pranab Mukherjee, it was a blissful moment for me."
