Anil Kapoor remains one of the most charismatic and versatile actors in Indian cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, Kapoor continues to stay relevant through iconic performances, international recognition, and a dynamic public persona.
Here’s a 2025 deep dive into Anil Kapoor’s top roles, his relationships, close-knit family, and the projects he’s lined up for the year:
Iconic Anil Kapoor roles that defined his career
1. ‘Mr. India’ (1987): The Role That Made Him a National Icon
Shekhar Kapur’s Mr. India remains a cornerstone in Anil Kapoor’s career. Playing the invisible hero Arun Verma, Kapoor redefined the idea of a Bollywood superhero, combining innocence with bravery. The film, now a cult classic, showcased his comic timing and emotional depth.
2. ‘Tezaab’ (1988): Munna Cemented Kapoor’s Action Hero Status
As the brooding, intense Munna in Tezaab, Kapoor delivered one of the most unforgettable performances of his career. The film’s blockbuster success and the popularity of the song “Ek Do Teen” brought him immense critical and commercial acclaim.
3. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008): Global Recognition as Prem Kumar
Anil Kapoor’s portrayal of slick game show host Prem Kumar in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire catapulted him to international fame. The film won multiple Oscars, and Kapoor stood out for his confident, charismatic performance that introduced him to Western audiences.
4. ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ (2015): A Modern Patriarch in Crisis
Playing Kamal Mehra, a flawed yet complex family man, Kapoor won hearts with his layered portrayal in Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do. His performance balanced satire, vulnerability, and pride, proving his adaptability in modern ensemble films.
Anil Kapoor’s marriage to Sunita Kapoor and strong industry bonds
Anil Kapoor and Sunita Bhavnani married in 1984 after years of courtship. Sunita, a former model and fashion stylist, has played a behind-the-scenes but pivotal role in Kapoor’s personal and professional life. The couple’s marriage is often held up as an example of long-lasting love in Bollywood.
Kapoor shares deep friendships with fellow actors such as Jackie Shroff, Govinda, and Amitabh Bachchan. He’s also known for mentoring younger actors like Arjun Kapoor and working closely with filmmaker Karan Johar and director-producer Rajkumar Santoshi.
Children: Sonam, Rhea, and Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor
1. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja: The fashion-forward actress and activist remains active in films and entrepreneurship. In 2025, she’s preparing for a comeback after maternity leave.
2. Rhea Kapoor: A successful producer and stylist, Rhea continues to make waves with her unique content and fashion line, Rheson.
3. Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor: With a niche fanbase, Harsh is working on a neo-noir film under the A24 banner, a collaboration facilitated in part by Anil’s international connections.
The Kapoor residence in Mumbai remains a hub of activity. Family get-togethers often feature cross-generational industry interactions, and Anil has often stated in interviews that his children are his biggest critics and supporters.
Upcoming Anil KaKapoor projects in 2025
1. ‘Subedaar’ on Netflix: An Action-Drama Set in Post-War India
Anil Kapoor headlines Subedaar, an intense Netflix original series set in the 1950s. Playing a war veteran dealing with political instability, Kapoor is said to deliver one of his most emotionally nuanced performances yet.
2. Hollywood Sci-Fi Series on Amazon Prime
Anil Kapoor is also part of an untitled Amazon Prime science fiction thriller, where he plays a futuristic tech magnate. This marks another international venture after 24 and Slumdog Millionaire, expanding his global profile.