“It’s not within me.” Despite being approached by political parties after the success, Anil Kapoor explains his decision to stay away from politics like this hero.

The actor, who played a journalist-turned-chief minister in the 2001 political drama, has revealed that the film’s influence has blurred the line between reel and real. Kapoor says that after its release he started receiving indirect offers from political circles who wanted to see him enter public life. He quickly refused.

Why did political parties approach him?

In heroKapoor played the character of an ordinary man who one day comes to power and fights corruption boldly. The film impressed the audience and apparently the political players as well.

Speaking about that period, he explained that the conversations were subtle. “They will not do it directly,” he said, adding that the proposals would come through middlemen. He chose to “nip it in the bud”, making it clear that he was not willing to take that route.

Why did he say no to the United Nations also?

Interestingly, politics was not the only field knocking at his door. After the global success of Slumdog MillionaireDirected by Danny Boyle, Kapoor said that even the United Nations had approached him to work as a brand ambassador.

His logic remained consistent: He wouldn’t do it unless he was 100 percent committed. Kapoor insisted that he was not interested in token roles or “photo ops”. For him, honesty outweighs status.

See also

Entertainment

Thug Life Box Office Day 2: Kamal Haasan’s film Tej Drop, earns Rs 7.5 crore

What is he focusing on now?

Instead of venturing into administration or global advocacy, Kapoor has chosen to stick to what he knows best – acting. He will next be seen in Alpha, directed by Shiv Rawail, alongside Alia Bhatt and Bobby Deol.

He is also making headlines SubedarDirected by Suresh Triveni, which is set to premiere on Prime Video.

For Kapoor, the spotlight can open doors – but he’s careful about which doors he walks through.