Anil Kapoor still works like a newcomer after 40 years, says Anees Bazmee
Synopsis
Nine years after 'Mubarakan', director Anees Bazmee says Anil Kapoor still walks onto a set like it's his very first day — a tribute that says as much about Bollywood's stamina problem as it does about one actor's exceptional drive.
Key Takeaways
Anees Bazmee shared a behind-the-scenes video from 'Mubarakan' to mark the film's 9th anniversary .
Bazmee said Anil Kapoor retains first-day enthusiasm despite 35–40 years in the industry.
Kapoor described himself as 'very blessed' to still be working in front of the camera.
Bazmee called comedy 'a very serious business' requiring strong writing and meticulous presentation. 'Mubarakan' ( 2017 ) starred Anil Kapoor , Arjun Kapoor (double role), Ileana D'Cruz , Athiya Shetty , and Neha Sharma .
Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, saying the star carries the same first-day energy on set today as he did when he started out — despite nearly four decades in the film industry. Bazmee's remarks came as his 2017 family comedy 'Mubarakan' marked nine years since its release.
The Tribute That Started It All
To mark the anniversary, Bazmee shared a behind-the-scenes video on his social media account featuring Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, and members of the crew. He captioned the nostalgic clip: 'Sharing some cherished memories from the sets of MUBARAKAN. #9yearsofmubarakan.'
In the video, Bazmee reflected on what sets Anil Kapoor apart from his peers. 'After spending 35–40 years of my life in this line, even today, when I look at him, it feels like it's his first day of shooting,' the director said.
More Than an Actor
Bazmee did not stop at praising Kapoor's on-set dedication. He described the actor as someone who excels equally as a human being. 'He is a great actor, a great human being and a great friend. First class,' Bazmee said.
Anil Kapoor himself, speaking in the video, struck a note of gratitude. 'I feel very blessed. I feel God has given me this opportunity to stand in front of the camera. I get to travel, I get to meet different people. What else do I want?' the actor said.
Bazmee on the Craft of Comedy
The filmmaker also used the occasion to reflect on what makes comedy genuinely difficult to execute. 'Basically, comedy is a very serious business. If you want to make a comedy film or make people laugh, then you have to write well. Everything has to be thought through and presented beautifully,' he said.
The observation carries weight from a director whose career has been built on crowd-pleasing entertainers, from 'No Entry' to 'Welcome' to 'Mubarakan' itself.
About Mubarakan
Released in 2017, 'Mubarakan' featured Anil Kapoor as Kartar Singh and Arjun Kapoor in a double role as his nephew — a setup that drove a series of comical mix-ups centred on twin brothers and their weddings. The ensemble cast also included Ileana D'Cruz, Athiya Shetty, and Neha Sharma. Nine years on, the film's anniversary has given Bazmee a platform to spotlight the work ethic that, in his view, keeps Anil Kapoor relevant across generations.
Point of View
But it inadvertently highlights a rarer quality in Hindi cinema — sustained hunger past the superstar phase. Most actors of Anil Kapoor's vintage either retreated into legacy roles or disappeared; Kapoor has kept reinventing, from 'Slumdog Millionaire' to '24' to recent OTT outings. The anniversary hook is soft entertainment, but the underlying story — why so few actors sustain that drive — is the more interesting one that mainstream coverage tends to skip.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Anees Bazmee praise Anil Kapoor recently?
Bazmee praised Anil Kapoor while sharing a behind-the-scenes video to mark nine years of their 2017 film 'Mubarakan'. He said Kapoor still approaches every shoot with the enthusiasm of someone on their first day, despite nearly four decades in the industry.
What did Anil Kapoor say about his career?
Anil Kapoor said he feels 'very blessed' that God has given him the opportunity to stand in front of the camera, travel, and meet different people. He expressed contentment with continuing to do what he loves.
What is 'Mubarakan' about?
'Mubarakan' is a 2017 comedy directed by Anees Bazmee, centred on a series of mix-ups involving twin brothers and their weddings. Arjun Kapoor played a double role as the twins, with Anil Kapoor as their uncle Kartar Singh.
Who was in the cast of 'Mubarakan'?
The film starred Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor in a double role, Ileana D'Cruz, Athiya Shetty, and Neha Sharma.
What did Anees Bazmee say about making comedy films?
Bazmee said comedy is 'a very serious business' — that making people laugh demands strong writing, thorough thinking, and beautiful presentation, even if the result looks effortless on screen.
