So how long was he in the US for the show?
"I was there (LA) for six months. Basically I was coming
and going. I was also shooting a film 'No Problem' in India
and South Africa. So in between I shot two schedules of the
film too," he said.
And how was his international experience?
"The experience has been very enriching and educative
- something which I've never had. It was wonderful and creatively
very uplifting. It has given me tremendous exposure. Never in
my 30-year career have I got this kind of appreciation.
"It was almost as if I was some kind of ambassador from
India and had made a difference to their lives. I was so overwhelmed.
I think it went beyond professional respect," he said.
Anil doesn't shy away from conceding too that "it was
all because of 'Slumdog Millionaire' ".
Rumours are rife that he is keen to move on from the "Slumdog
Millionaire" success.
Asked about it, he said: "You always have to attach and
detach and that is the only way you can create more. I don't
get attached to it and start living in past glory. I don't want
to do that. I just want to move on and look at the future rather
than looking at the past."
Has Bollywood taken a backseat?
"No. I can't forget my roots. I am what I am because of
that. I have moved on and I'll do that also but I'll keep on
doing this," he said.
He is now waiting to know the reaction of his Indian fans to
his transition.
"There is no transition, because for me it was from big
to bigger. But I am curious and anxious to know their reactions.
I am waiting," he said.
Anil's future projects include sequels to "Race",
"No Entry", "Mr. India" and he may star
in Priyadarshan's action movie.
He is also in talks with Sophia Loren's son, Ben Stiller and
Fox Television.