Imagine a 22-year-old convincingly embodying a 70-year-old—that’s the magic Annu Kapoor brought to theater, forever altering his trajectory in Indian cinema. Born Anil Kapoor in Bhopal on February 20, 1956, to a theater enthusiast father and scholarly mother, his upbringing blended art and austerity. Economic woes cut short his schooling, pushing him toward the footlights.
Honing skills at NSD, Annu’s defining stage moment came when he aged decades in a single role, leaving audiences spellbound. This feat impressed Shyam Benegal, who handpicked him for ‘Mandi’ in 1983, launching a prolific film career.
Hits like ‘Utsav’ showcased his depth, while ‘Mr. India,’ ‘Tezaab,’ and ‘Ram Lakhan’ highlighted his comedic genius. Annu’s characters lingered long after credits rolled, thanks to his timing and panache. The 2012 sperm donor comedy ‘Vicky Donor’ earned him a National Film Award, affirming his stature.
His influence extended to TV’s ‘Antakshari’ and radio gigs, diversifying his appeal. Four decades later, Annu Kapoor continues to captivate, a living legend whose early gamble paid eternal dividends.