Film school said no, Bollywood adopted: Anil Kapoor talks cinema, fitness
At India Today Conclave 2026, Anil Kapoor rejected comparisons with Dev Anand and talked about creating his own identity in Bollywood. He revealed how his signature stubble helped shape his on-screen image.
Actor Anil Kapoor, 69, was beaming with excitement on the first day of the India Today Conclave 2026 in New Delhi. In conversation with Rajdeep Sardesai, the Bollywood veteran reflects on his long journey in Hindi cinema, while strongly rejecting comparisons with the great Dev Anand.
The actor was part of the title session The Ageless Revel: Rewriting the Rules of Stardom At the conclave, which took place at the Taj Palace in New Delhi.
❮❯
During the conversation, he talked about getting rejected from film school, achieving big things in Bollywood, staying fit at the age of 69 and how his strength made him stand out in the crowd.
Early Rejection from FTII
Talking about the incident, Kapoor revealed, “When I was rejected I was heartbroken, crying and emotional. I couldn’t handle it. I thought my life and career were over. But, I thought I should go and meet Girish Karnad, who was the director of FTII at that time. I was very dogmatic about things like this.” I am not ashamed. I go to them, join hands, beg, take me (I don’t feel shy. I go up to them, fold my hands and beg them to take me in.).”
Kapoor narrated how he presented his case to Karnad, questioning the connection between academics and acting talent. Recalling them, he said, “I went to Girish Karnad and met him in his office. I asked him what acting had to do with education. I told him, ‘I may not be that well-educated or academically smart, but let me perform in front of you. Please do something, change the rules. I want to be a film institute student. And he said, ‘Rules are rules, and that’s what it is,'” Kapoor said.
Dev Anand’s emphasis on individuality amid comparisons
The actor also addressed the frequent comparisons to famous star Dev Anand, expressing his admiration but emphasizing his own identity. Emphasizing on individuality in the film industry, he said, “There can’t be anyone Dev Anand. He is the greatest. He is the quintessential. I am not Dev Anand… I am Anil Kapoor.”
Development of on-screen image and signature stubble
During the session, Kapoor discussed personal challenges related to his on-screen image. She said that in the early stages of her career, filmmakers were often hesitant to cast her in mature roles because of her youthful appearance. To address this, Kapoor adopted a stubble, which soon became part of his recognizable look.
“Whenever I went to filmmakers for work, they would say things like, ‘is small, there is more hair (He’s very short, very hairy)’ – That I looked very short. At that time, the industry was ruled by heroes like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and Vinod Khanna, who were known for their strong acting. So, I also kept stubble because I wanted to look a little older. If you watch movies like those seven daysI played the role of an innocent boy who comes from a small place to become a music director, and people thought I was too young for the role. They thought someone like Sanjeev Kumar would be more suitable,” said Anil.
“Even later, I mr indiaYou can see the stub, be it a romantic scene or an emotional one. I had to constantly struggle to look a little older. In fact, this look became so synonymous with me that other actors remained adamant and people started saying, ‘Oh, Anil Kapoor!'”
Kapoor further said that his mustache was a big problem in his initial days to fit in as a hero. “The real issue was the moustache. Nobody wanted to accept me with a mustache because they believed that no one with a big mustache could become a big star. And I would say, ‘Who could be bigger than Charlie Chaplin?’ Even legends like Raj Kapoor had a moustache,” he said.
When contacted for Dhurandhar 2
Kapoor also shared details about recent career opportunities, revealing that director Aditya Dhar had invited him for a cameo in his much-awaited film. Dhurandhar 2. “Aditya (Dhar) came to me Dhurandhar 2. He wanted me to do a small cameo in the film. But whatever I am today is because of my professionalism and my commitment. This is very important – talent alone cannot make you who you are,” Kapoor said, adding that he looked forward to collaborating in the future.
He said that he had committed to another film, which was why he turned down the offer. “At that time, I had already promised those dates to another filmmaker. I told Aditya, ‘I would have loved to do this cameo, but I’m already committed.’ He is releasing the film now and it is a great film. It’s my loss, but that’s OK,” he said.
When asked if he would do so Dhurandhar 3The actor said, “I think I will do something new.” I will do something new (I will do something new).”
On earning five lakhs for Slumdog Millionaire
Anil Kapoor shared an interesting anecdote about how he still gets paid for his role in Slumdog Millionaire. “Let me share this with you. It’s a very emotional moment. It’s been more than a decade and a half, and yesterday, again, I got a pay check Slumdog Millionaire”
When asked how much money he got, he said, “Yesterday, it was £3,000. I pay all my taxes so I can say this. I’m going to get almost half a million pounds. So, I’m a millionaire. I didn’t ask for it. They gave it to themselves. I did that film to educate myself. I want to learn and that’s how I stay relevant. The team said they couldn’t afford me. I said, ‘Did I ask for the money?’ Asked for? I said, ‘I’ll do it for free.’ This is what he himself has done.”
Anil is fit at the age of 69
The actor said, “I can run very fast, and I love running and walking. At this age, I have kept myself fit. When another actor is lifting weights and I look at them, I make it a point to lift as much weight as they do. I look better now. I am turning 70 on December 24. I have never had any illusions about how old I am or how I look. I listen to my body. Even Even in my career and relationships, I’m never under any illusion.” practical. I listen to people and myself.
He further added, “The roles I am doing are in line with my age. I always feel you reinvent yourself before people/audience say anything. I love this art and as long as I am working and in this field, life is beautiful. We all go through insecurities, especially when films don’t do well. We go through ups and downs, but we have to bounce back.”
Talking about work front, the actor was recently seen in the film Subedar.