Anil Kapoor’s latest release, Jug Jugg Jeeyo, released to a roaring response at the box office. The Free Press Journal caught up with the Bollywood star for an exclusive tête-à-tête. Excerpts:
You are the hero even at this age. What are your strategies?
I have no strategies. It’s a combination of many things and a thought process. There are not too many yes men around me. I have been working hard for 30 years and still going on. During promotions of a film, it can be tough because it’s not a creative job. I am selling something, and I can’t show that I am selling something. I have to be happy and positive as it’s part of my promotional activities. But if I am shooting, I can stand for hours together. You have to give so much to gain something. I have known so many people for so many years. I have given them the same respect.
You are a sensation on social media. What are your thoughts?
A girl was doing landscaping on social media. The characters I played were iconic, and they related to it. Like the painting in Welcome, no one knew who made it. At the end of the film, everyone took credit for the painting. I would love to do Welcome 2. I don’t listen to scripts of certain directors as I have worked with them for so long.
Have you never had an inactive phase in your life?
I was lucky as I made the right decision at the right time. For example, Dil Dhadakne Do. I go all out for my role. I don’t do things half-heartedly.
What kind of a father are you?
I can’t be strict. You can make the kids do better things with love. You need to have patience.
Do you have clashes with your children?
Children have their own tastes and choices, and they are very adamant about it. They don’t get convinced about it. My children are very independent. I am also learning. There are many drawbacks in me, and I am learning how to become a better father. I am not the right person to tell on how to become a better parent or father. What can I do to make them understand my point of view? Being a parent is very tough.
What was the reaction of your wife to the link-ups you have had over the years?
(Laughs) I was smart and intelligent. I kept all these things away from my family. Relationships are all about compromise. You have to think from the other person’s point of view and brush those issues under the carpet. Think about the happy times you have spent together and balance it up. Try to think of the plus points and think positively.
You are going to become a grandfather now. How does it feel?
We are both happy about the new arrival in the family. I am anxious and nervous, and I can’t express myself. It’s a combination of so many feelings. When Sonam (Kapoor Ahuja) visits us, my wife Sunita is taking care of all that. She has decided everything and has made a lot of changes in the house. I ask her where I can sit. She tells me to go down and sit. It doesn’t matter to me.
