All my characters have been iconic: Anil Kapoor

Call him Lakhan, Charandas, Mr India, Majnu bhai or President Omar Hassan, Anil Kapoor has always lived his characters to the fullest. So much so, people remember him for his roles rather than as an actor. With an imminent return in the upcoming Welcome Back as Majnu, he was in a talkative mood. Here's what he had to share...

People are expecting a lot from Welcome Back. Is there pressure to measure up to the original?
Our attempt was to make an entertaining film, which people from all walks of life should enjoy and have fun. Welcome has great recall value. I think we will live up to expectations (with the remake).

You have a love interest this time around?
Yes. Also, we've become shareef in this film. We've left our former business. We're not the typical bhais anymore.

And I believe Naseeruddin Shah's the villain?
It was tough to find a replacement for Feroz Khan. That said, I think Naseer doing the film has added a lot to the film. When you have such a big star cast then you need someone in the opposition who has the stature. Naseer being there, it makes a lot of difference.

You seem to have become choosy about the projects you take up.
I have done a lot of stuff internationally. That takes up a lot of time. So yes, from a feature film point of view, I have done less work. Over the last two decades, I have done one or two films per year and now, it's come down to one. But I think everyone is doing that.

You were apprehensive about the Ram Lakhan remake?
I was quite surprised but no apprehensions. With what will I have apprehensions?

Because it's an iconic character…
Well, I think all my characters have been iconic. I never really was called Anil Kapoor. They'd call me Lakhan, Munna, Majnu Bhai or Mr India, because of the roles I did. I have been very blessed that way. I always wanted to be an actor, but by chance or luck, I became a star (laughs).

If offered Ram Lakhan again, would you do it?
It was a great journey and the original film had great music. You can't take away Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, Anupam Kher and Madhuri Dixit. So I feel, woh ho gaya. We acted our hearts out. What these guys are doing now -- and I'm being very honest with you -- is just business. But why not? If I had the opportunity, even I'd do it.

There have been talks about Arjun Kapoor playing the role of Lakhan…
There has been speculation. Though I'll be happy if Arjun plays Lakhan. You know, actually... anybody can do it. It's not a tough role. I just had a lot of fun playing Lakhan.

No improvisations?
Are we here to talk about Lakhan or Majnu Bhai? Look, I don't like romanticizing about my past. I believe in moving on. Let's talk about future projects, na…

Let's talk about Dil Dhadakne Do then…
See, now it's too early to talk about Dil Dhadakne Do. When the time is right, I'll talk about it.

Sonam is doing well and Harshvardhan is starting his acting career soon. Also, Rhea's production house is going great guns, too.
I was happy with 24's success but I was much happier with Khoobsurat's success, because it was made on a very limited budget. Rhea came to me with a 15-crore budget. She eventually made the film in 12. Had Daawat-e-Ishq not released the same day, it would have been a success on the first day. It took four days to become a hit.

Sonam's not in Rhea's next?
It's all about content, the script. It's a tougher journey for Rhea than Khoobsurat was. Even, I'm not involved in her next project. The next one is completely Rhea.

Is the second season of 24 happening?
Yes, it is absolutely happening. Once I finish this film, I start shooting for 24.