PLAYING IT RIGHT

An uncompromising work ethic and ability to stay relevant mean that, even after four decades in the film industry, Anil Kapoor still rocks

- Suhani Singh

Anil Kapoor loves an audience. Seated at the JW Marriott in Juhu, Mumbai, with two bowls of fruits placed in front of him, Kapoor looks for a reaction as he shares an amusing anecdote about filmmaker-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra or talks about how a recent Instagram post of his was appreciated. He gives no impression that he is 66 years old. His fitness regimen and age-defying abilities are a source of much amusement on social media where, in a clever pun, he is referred to as "Baal kalakaar [child artiste]". The actor is flattered with his popularity among those even younger than his 30-something kids. "It's a huge compliment, but I am not delusional," he says, aware of the fleeting nature of internet fame. His own kids, all of whom work in films, he says, don't take him seriously.