Need to admire talent: Annu

Talktime| Annu Kapoor

Versatile actor Annu Kapoor talks to SANGEETA YADAV about his debut web series and his latest movie Missing in which he plays a top cop on a kidnap trail

What made you say yes to debut in web series with ALT Balaji’s Home?

It is an interesting story inspired by real life events of Sethi family and their struggle to save their home, which has been ordered to be demolished by Supreme Court. It is directed by Habib Faisal and also features  Amol Parashar and Supriya Pilgaonkar. The shooting is going on in full swing. I am looking forward to its release and hopes that it will do well with the audience.

What do you like about web series?

The web has tremendous potential though it is a different medium to showcase your talent. I just pray for audience acceptance. Filmmaking is a costly business. While the producers invest a lot of money, actors put our heart and soul into our role. The entertainment media should come up with powerful subjects.

How was your experience playing a tough cop in recently released movie Missing?

It was interesting yet challenging to play a strict cop who can read a criminal’s mind. The Mauritius Police is different from other cops. After observing them while shooting there, I realised that they are committed, strict and honest. I learnt a little bit of French and Creole to make the role authentic. Our cops are different. I have seen my uncle who is a retired CBI officer. If you look at American cops, they too are strict and will not utter the four-letter word.

What was the reason behind the delay in the release of the film for four years?

I don’t know why this film was on hold for so long. Only the producers will be able to answer this. Since it is Neeraj Pandey and Shital Bhatia’s film, we thought we were in safe hands. We shot this film in 2014 and then I got busy shooting in Mauritius for Shaukeen that got released the same year, but Missing took four years to see the light of the day. I am glad all our hard has work paid off. As an actor, I could only focus on giving my best in acting. The destiny of the film lies in the hands of the producers.  

Do you think the length of the role matters or it is the substantial role that you look for?

I have always looked for interesting roles. It doesn’t matter how big or small the role is. Having said that, the role should not be unnoticeable. Small roles should be well fleshed out and have potential to take the story forward. Be it playing a small role of a newspaper editor in Mr India, or big role of a devil’s advocate in Jolly LLB 2, interesting characters will always leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Having done so many films, which role you find it most challenging?

I consider every role as a new challenge. I approach all my films with great sincerity and prepare at my end no matter how small or big the role is. 

What it means to be a celebrity?

In India, we don’t admire talent. We admire heroes, their heroism and looks. If he is talented, it is pure luck. That is why we have character artistes. Heroes don’t have any character. They just have good looks.