EXCLUSIVE: Anil Kapoor reveals Kapil Sharma, Jaideep Ahlawat and Pankaj Tripathi were shortlisted for 24, watch 24 : Bollywood News

Veteran actor Anil Kapoor, known for his versatility and passion for the craft, has captivated audiences for decades with his stellar performances in Bollywood. However, the seasoned actor has recently embarked on a thrilling journey with the Hindi adaptation of the English web series The Night Manager. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama at the IIFA 2023, Anil Kapoor remembered his TV series 24. He revealed that a couple of actors were considered for 24 before he nodded for it, and the list included Kapil Sharma and Jaideep Ahlawat, among others.

EXCLUSIVE: Anil Kapoor reveals Kapil Sharma, Jaideep Ahlawat and Pankaj Tripathi were shortlisted for 24, watch

While asking about his process of preparing for the negative role in The Night Manager, it was mentioned that he had already delivered a successful adaptation, that is 24. As he confessed that the mention of the Colors TV series has taken him into “kind of a nostalgia.” He asserted, “We were going through the (list of) actors which we had shortlisted for 24.”

Kapoor further added, “I was quite surprised to see there were so many actors, who are today doing so well. Kapil Sharma was one of the people who was considered for 24. There was Jaideep Ahlawat. I was seeing his pictures. I was seeing Pankaj Tripathi’s pictures.”

“I also met Ratna ji (Ratna Pathak Shah) and I said even I auditioned for it. We have all come a long way,” Kapoor said. He added that during that time, concepts such as the writer's room or seasons were not familiar, as the digital revolution had not yet impacted the country. With a smile, the actor remarked, "At least I can say, in India, we were ahead of the curve."

During the interview, Anil Kapoor was asked if a show like 24 would have been more successful if it were released today, considering the popularity of experimental content. However, the actor dismissed the idea, and explained, “Whether people accept it or not, they do have tremendous regard for the show. 24 also gave the industry so many technicians. They have all made a name for themselves. It was kind of a job… (pool) for the industry.”

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