In June this year when the megastar completed 40 years of being an actor and entertainer, his Fighter co-star Hrithik Roshan observed, “And your best work just keeps getting better. you are at your BEST in Fighter!! Too too good!!” You don’t get a leading man who can entertain you in equal measures with any role he picks that often.
Just this year, Anil Kapoor delighted us with stellar performances as the villainous arms dealer Shailendra Rungta in The Night Manager and flawed industrialist Balbir Singh in Animal. He excels in comedy as well as amazing dramas. His talent in bringing any character to life, and winning over audiences is renowned. There is literally nothing that Kapoor cannot do. Starting 2024, he will thrill us in the aerial action film Fighter releasing on January 25. Reportedly, he has also signed director Ritesh Batra’s international project which revolves around a mature romance of an Indian man and a
French woman.
Here is a roundup of his most memorable characters which defines versitality. Balbir Singh, Animal: Kapoor’s raw and gritty portrayal of the flawed Balbir Singh earned him the
moniker Baap of Bollywood in recent times.
Shelly Rungta, The Night Manager: There couldn’t have been a more charming villain than Rungta in modern times. All credit goes to Kapoor who has truly redefined the frightful antagonist with a dash of charm and dollops of style.
Kamal Mehra, Dil Dhadakne Do: Kapoor gave a standout performance as billionaire businessman Kamal Mehra who cheats on his wife, separates his daughter from her first love and refuses to support his son’s dreams. However, in the course of the film, he redeems himself by owning up to his infidelity, shields his daughter from her abusive husband and apologises to her in a heartfelt scene.
Sagar Majnu Pandey, Welcome: Kapoor brought to life the hilarious gangster and artist Majnu Bhai in the film. His painting of a dog standing a top a donkey is etched in our memories forever. Kapoor has described the character as one of his most cherish characters of his life for having brought so much joy to the audience.
Shivaji Rao, Nayak: The Real Hero: His embodiment of an ambitious television cameraman who rises ranks to a TV presenter and ultimately the Chief Minister of Maharashtra was phenomenal.
Shakti Thakur, Virasat: Kapoor has been one of the greatest shapeshifters of our time. He is able to change his appearance completely as the story follows the return of Shakti Thakur to his village in rural India and how a feudal war crushes his dreams of opening a chain of restaurants as he continues to live in the village and work towards the welfare of his people.
Raju, Beta: Kapoor lit up the screen with his portrayal of a devoted son who only longs for his stepmother’s love but ends up getting exploited in the process.
Inspector Lakhan Pratap Singh, Ram Lakhan: One of his iconic roles, Kapoor actually gave a glimpse of his range to the audiences with his portrayal of a corrupt cop Lakhan. The mannerisms and appearance of his character continues to be the talk of the town.
Munna, Tezaab: Kapoor embodied the angst of young man who avenges his parents murder and reconnect with his childhood sweetheart.
Arun Verma, Mr India: Who doesn’t remember Arun bhaiya the street violinist and philanthropist who takes care of orphans, accidentally discovers a cloaking device that makes the user invisible? He then uses it to confront the criminal Mogambo and puts a grinding halt of his plans to conquer India. His sincere performance was the mainstay of the film.
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