There
are actors who are defined by the era and there are actors who define an era.
Sure Bombay film industry has its Raj
Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bacchan & Aamir Khan, but there is this one actor who has created his own legacy.
He is the one who successfully transitioned from being the favourite of Gen X
to the millennials. His walk is confident, his face expressive, his body hairy and
his performances intense…Anil Kapoor. He is an actor who has managed to make a
career out of reinventing himself in order to evolve with the trends to not
only keep himself relevant, but dominate amongst the new generation.
He
started his career in early 80's. In his first decade in the industry he played
everything from a street thug in a comedy (Chameli Ki Shaadi) to an idealistic
lawyer in a courtroom drama (Meri Jung). From an obedient son (Saaheb)
to the lover boy (Janbaaz). This movies cemented his status as a talented actor. While
most debut actors of the time developed an image, and leveraged that same image
into as many films as possible, Anil was never satisfied doing the same thing
repeatedly.
He
is constantly heralded as being one of Bollywood's most adaptable actors. His
touted versatility became more pronounced as his career advanced. From playing
supporting role to Salman (Biwi No. 1) to teaming up with Nana
as a sleazy gangster (Welcome). Viewers love him when he
plays an old patriarch of a dysfunctional family (Dil Dhadakne Do) to an
unmarried half Brit-half Punjabi uncle (Mubarakan).
As
an ardent fan of Anil Kapoor, Lamhe & Tezaab will always be
his crowning glory. I think his most impressive achievement is to be relevant throughout
his career. His is one career where we can confidently say…Maska Hai Maska ... Ekdum Jhakaas!!
