Anil Kapoor is no stranger to stealing hearts of the young and old ones alike. From his early days in Woh 7 Din to his nerve-racking performance in 24: India, the actor has proven time and again that he’s still as charismatic and truly our very own, Mr. India. Known for his comic timings and evergreen looks, on this occasion of his 61st birthday, we’re counting down his iconic characters throughout the years, that left a mark on everyone.
- Mr. India
Although it is Sridevi we see on screen more than her titular leading man, it is the invisible superhero Mr India aka Anil Kapoor’s show all the way. His role as a compassionate caretaker for a bunch of orphan kids who fight the comic villain, Mogambo while juggling a steamy, secret romance with his pretty tenant is a showreel for his tremendous charisma and talent.
- Beta
With this movie, the most sacred stereotypes of Indian cinema was broken — the mother. A masala entertainer filled with all the gender tropes in place. Except in reverse. Anil’s role as Raju, the ideal son set a benchmark not only for all the son’s out there but also defied gender roles making it a very feministic role for its time.
- Lamhe
One of Yash Chopra’s most acclaimed creations, Lamhe saw Anil shave off his trademark mustache to look half his age. For Lamhe he shed the baggage of swaggering image associated with him in films like Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, and Jaanbaaz to embody the subtle, soulful and sophisticated Viren of Lamhe.
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- Ram Lakhan
It’s his exuberant one-two-ka-fours and tit-for-tat enthusiasm, in complete contrast to Jackie Shroff’s strong, silent approach, which earns him the reputation of the MOST charming and endearing character. A mischievous scamster and an avenger – Lakhan aka Anil is full of tricks and tattle in this Subhash Ghai’s stable of masala potboilers.
- Badhaai Ho Badhaai
With a little help from a Hollywood special effects and make-up team and a brief, welcome food binge, Anil transformed himself from the tall, brooding action-hero of Tezaab to a mega-sized cutie in Badhai Ho Badhai. He renounced his lean diet to put on weight for the film. "I had to put on weight at least on my cheeks to look authentic," he said. He added, “I have always accepted challenges in my career. I took up this role also because I did not want to be part of the crowd. What Hollywood does with loads of money and resources, we can match with commitment.” And that he did as his role as Raja will surely go down in the cinematic history.
- Nayak
In Nayak, a remake of Tamil blockbuster Mudhalvan, Anil plays the role of a reporter who takes on the role of a CM for a day. Though it’s a little overbearing and crowd-pleasing, its anti-corruption sentiments and rampant red tapism resonate in conviction thanks to Kapoor’s credibility and dynamism.
- Welcome
One can hardly forget the eccentric, charming and a true romantic to the heart, Majnu played by Anil. The juxtaposition of a badass gangster and an equally loving human being is played out perfectly by Anil who enhances the character with his comic timing and delivery. This one’s a laugh for days.
- Slumdog Millionaire
His first time acting for a Hollywood movie, the versatile actor, Anil nonetheless proves yet again why he is among the best. “Slumdog… is like my story. I also started from scratch - a rags-to-riches story. I started in Chembur (a Mumbai suburb) and slowly climbed up. God has been kind in that way," Anil said on CNN's show My City My Life. He, later on, featured in Tom Cruise-starrer Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
- Dil Dhadakne Do
Plays a rich patriarchal businessman going through financial crisis who has no qualms about manipulating people – even his own family members – to achieve his goal. He perfectly depicts a dysfunctional and sparring family that earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor (Male) in the 61st Filmfare Awards.
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