I never rest on my past laurels, says Anil

Not many know that you struggled a lot during your initial years in the industry. Right?

It took me 4-5 years to taste success. From 1977-78 to 1982, main dhakke kha raha tha, while trying to prove that I am a good actor. But in 1982, Shakti released, and I had a small cameo in it. You can call it inherent confidence and arrogance but I was like, ‘who will cast Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and me together again? So, let’s do the film (laughs)’. I also remember that at first, my name and photo was not there on Shakti’s poster but after Woh Saat Din became a big hit, my face also appeared on the posters of Shakti, alongside Mr Bachchan and Dilip saab. That was the biggest day of my life as it was a dream come true.

In the hindsight, are you absolutely content with the way things turned out for you?

I had never imagined that I would achieve all of it, reach this stage, and work for so many years. But I still feel I have lots more to do and achieve. I change gears [of my life and career] according to my liking and as per my age and fitness. So, sometimes, I work in top gear and at times, God and destiny put me in the reverse gear. But I have the sensibility to keep shifting gears. I can’t go crazy as I am not delusional. If I continue in the top gear 24/7, the car will break down and burn out.

So, which gear are you in now?

After Race 3, I have Fanne Khan, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and Total Dhamaal. Then, we will see which gear to keep the car in (laughs). Now, I am going in top gear. You will always have speed breakers but I have got the green signal so I am racing ahead.

At this stage of life and career, do you ever stop and look back?

I never rest on my past laurels or live in the past glory. My motto is, ‘keep moving ahead in life’. Of course, you also look back sometimes, and it’s natural. But mostly, I try my best to focus on the present and what’s ahead of me. As an actor, you have made different yet intelligent choices right from the start? I have always been a thinking actor. I always wanted to have fun with my part, research for it and change looks etc. People used to make fun by calling me ‘thaile waala, arty’ actor. In fact, people would tell me, ‘you will soon be in a hand-tomouth condition if you continue like this’. But I used to tell them that I will do both kinds of films. Late Shashi Kapoor was the first one to recommend my name for films and spoke very highly of me. I remember he had come to St Xavier’s College as the chief guest and had handed over the Dilip Kumar trophy for the best actor. That day, I felt as if no one could stop me.

Right now, you must be really elated with the success of your latest film, Race 3?

For me, the journey has been phenomenal. The love and affection that Salman’s family has given me — before and after the film’s release — has been fantastic. Be it Salim saab (Khan), Salman’s mother, Arbaaz or Sohail, everyone told me, ‘badhiya kaam kiya hai’. If the family that has made the film is so happy with my work, then it’s the biggest reward and success for me.

Race 3 also saw you team up with Salman Khan once again. What is your equation with him like?

been a great joy. I have worked with a lot of actors but this was a really fantastic journey. Salman has proved himself as the box-office emperor, time and again. I don’t think anyone else has had such a consistent track record at the box office in the history of Indian cinema. If you just look at the number of blockbusters given by actors, Salman would top the list. Also, his goodwill among people and love for the audiences is beyond parallel. And the best thing is, he does it all so effortlessly, regardless of who he is working with. Salman is one of the most generous, gracious and confident actors I have ever come across in my career. He always looks out for others, and has never tried to eclipse his co-actors.

Each and every day of my life gives me a high, as I find something on a daily basis. My biggest achievement is that even today, when I get up in the morning, I am excited about digging my teeth into a character, going to the sets and meeting people. ANIL KAPOOR, ACTOR