Anil, who has been in showbiz
for three decades, says: "What I like the most is to see
how times have changed. Years ago, in the film industry and show
business, there used to be only men. I used to feel bad about
why girls were not treated equally. Now things have changed all
over the world, specially in India."
Anil rarely ventures into production because he is more passionate
about acting.
"I feel I am more an actor and I love acting. I do produce,
if I like the script like 'Gandhi My Father'. Otherwise I am
more passionate about acting and Rhea is more passionate about
producing. In future also Rhea would be producing the film and
I will be there to sign the checks, nothing else," said
Anil.
He is approaching 50, but the actor has managed to maintain
his youthful looks and enthusisam since his first hit, "Woh
Saat Din". He went on to star in blockbusters like "Tezaab"
(1988), "Ram Lakhan" (1989), "Beta" (1992),
"1942: A Love Story" (1993), "Virasat" (1997),
"Nayak: The Real Hero" (2001) and even the Oscar winning
"Slumdog Millionaire" (2008).
Asked about the secret behind his enduring youthfulness, he
said: "There are three four things. First, you should be
mentally happy. When you have a good family, you are happy with
them, you don't need to indulge in drinking and smoking.
"I do everything, but within limits. I also exercise five
to six days a week and control my eating habits."
From a simpleton to a rowdy, from a mentally challenged man
to a lover boy - the versatile actor has done various roles
and worked in almost every genre, but he still thinks a lot
of spheres are untouched.
"You might think that I have done many roles, but many
roles are still left out."
After British director Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire",
he is doing an American TV series "24" and looking
forward to quite a few international projects.
"Internationally, I have just started my career. There
are certain things I am looking at but has not pinpointed which
one to take," said Anil.