In the glittering world of Hindi cinema, few stories inspire like that of Annu Kapoor. Born Anil Kapoor on February 20, 1956, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, he grew up in a family steeped in arts but plagued by financial hardships. His father ran a Parsi theater company, while his mother taught Urdu, fostering a creative environment amid struggles that forced young Anil to drop out of school.
Turning to theater in his youth, Annu joined the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD). At just 22, he stunned audiences by portraying a 70-year-old man in a play with uncanny realism. His transformative performance caught the eye of legendary director Shyam Benegal, who cast him in the 1983 film ‘Mandi.’ This breakthrough opened doors to a stellar career spanning over four decades.
Annu’s silver screen journey exploded with the 1984 classic ‘Utsav,’ earning him critical acclaim. He followed with memorable roles in blockbusters like ‘Mr. India,’ ‘Tezaab,’ and ‘Ram Lakhan,’ where his impeccable comic timing and unique dialogue delivery turned supporting characters into fan favorites. Though rarely the lead, Annu infused every role with unmatched charisma.
The pinnacle came in 2012 with ‘Vicky Donor,’ where his portrayal of Dr. Baldev Chaddha won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, along with widespread praise. Beyond films, Annu hosted the iconic TV show ‘Antakshari’ and made waves on radio, proving his versatility. Today, at 68, he remains a dynamic force in entertainment, a testament to talent triumphing over adversity.